NASCAR Legend To Race In Newport

Two months ago, in October, the Newport Speedway announced some major news that the CARS series was adding Newport Speedway to their schedule in 2026. This is big, as that series of racing is one of the premier short track racing series in the nation.

Now, Newport speedway owner Chuck Ward announced more big news on Friday. Not only will the zMax CARS Tour descend on the track on October 3, 2026, one of the greatest drivers of all-time will be behind the wheel of one of the cars. Series co-owner and 26 time NASCAR race winner Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will be driving one of the cars when the popular racing series hits Newport Speedway next fall. Earnhardt, Jr finished his NASCAR career with 73 total victories. He brings all that experience with him to Newport. Ward says that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is only driving in two races this year. One is Nashville, and the other is Newport.

Newport Speedway had been dormant for seven years before being purchased by Chuck Ward, who brought the track back to life in 2025. Events such as Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and the CARS series coming to the Newport Speedway can only signal an even brighter future for one of Newport’s favorite places to be on a Saturday night.