In a thrilling detour from their NASCAR Cup Series commitments, Connor Zilisch and Shane Van Gisbergen are set to compete in the CARS Tour Late Model Stock division at Florence Motor Speedway this weekend. The event, taking place on Friday, September 4, promises to be a spectacle of high-octane racing as these top-tier drivers navigate the challenging 0.4-mile pavement oval in Timmonsville, South Carolina.
The duo’s participation in the CARS Tour event is not just a casual outing but a testament to their passion for short track racing. Zilisch, who currently races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, has a rich history in Late Model Stock racing. He has previously competed in 14 CARS Tour events, securing a victory at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2024.
Zilisch’s Return to Late Model Racing
Zilisch’s return to Late Model racing is particularly noteworthy as he will be piloting a JR Motorsports fielded machine, marking his first start with the team. The driver is bringing his Red Bull sponsorship to JR Motorsports, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Zilisch expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Pumped for this one on Friday at Florence! Back in a late model with JR Motorsports and Red Bull.”
The 20-year-old driver has recently signed a contract with Hendrick Motorsports, which will come into effect for the 2028 season. His experience and skill in Late Model Stock racing make him a formidable contender in the upcoming event. Zilisch’s familiarity with the CARS Tour and his previous success at Florence Motor Speedway, where he won the South Carolina 250 in a Limited event in 2023, positions him as a strong candidate for victory.
Van Gisbergen’s Late Model Debut
Shane Van Gisbergen, Zilisch’s teammate at Trackhouse Racing, is making his CARS Late Model stock car debut in the No. 51 Hettinger Racing car, also sponsored by Red Bull. Van Gisbergen’s entry into Late Model racing is a significant step, given his recent performances in the NASCAR Cup Series. This year, he has shown remarkable improvement on ovals, earning a top-five finish at both North Wilkesboro and Nashville. In the Truck Series, he secured his first oval pole at Richmond, finishing fourth in that race.
Van Gisbergen’s interest in Late Model racing was sparked during a visit to Florence Motor Speedway two years ago. Impressed by the culture, competition, and unique characteristics of the track, he expressed his eagerness to participate. “What I remember is that I walked across Turn 1 and there were no walls,” Van Gisbergen recalled. “There’s like a banking and then trees and stuff. It was pretty eye-opening to see they raced at a track like that.”
Teammates’ Excitement and Preparation
Both drivers have expressed their excitement and anticipation for the event. Zilisch, who has credited his NASCAR race craft and competitive mentality to his time in Late Model Stocks, is eager to share this experience with his teammate. “I really hope he enjoys it,” Zilisch said. “I think both of us were kind of in the shoes of, ‘I’ll do it if you do it,’ so it’s cool that both of us are doing it.”
Van Gisbergen, on the other hand, is looking forward to a full day of practice on Thursday and another practice on Friday before the race to get acclimated. He has no expectations but is excited for the challenge. “No, I never have any,” Van Gisbergen said. “But yeah, I know the team is pretty good and the team’s actually only a couple minutes from home. So it’s been pretty easy to go and get sorted in the car and hang out with those guys.”
The CARS Tour and Its Significance
The CARS Tour, owned by a group that includes Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, Justin Marks, and Speedway Motorsports Inc., is a prestigious platform for Late Model Stock racing. The Florence event is the 11th of 14 rounds on the 2026 CARS Tour schedule. Landen Lewis won the CARS Late Model Stock Tour event at the track one year ago, setting the stage for an intense competition this weekend.
As the NASCAR Cup Series races at Darlington Raceway just a few miles down the road, the CARS Tour event at Florence Motor Speedway promises to be a highlight of the racing weekend. With top-tier drivers like Zilisch and Van Gisbergen entering the fray, the event is poised to deliver thrilling action and unforgettable moments for racing enthusiasts.
