CARS Tour to open 2027 season at Freedom Factory in Florida
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 29, 2026, 2:18 AM
Last updated Oct 29, 2026
The zMAX CARS Tour is set to kick off its 2027 season at the Freedom Factory in Bradenton, Florida, on February 6. This event will mark the first visit of the series to Florida, which previously hosted national tours like the ASA National Tour. Formerly known as DeSoto Speedway, the Freedom Factory's revival under Cleetus McFarland has emphasized the return of traditional short-track racing after financial difficulties led to the venue's closure in 2018. The event will feature both Late Model Stock Car and Pro Late Model divisions, attracting notable drivers including Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick. This initiative indicates a shift in focus back to competitive racing at historic tracks amid challenges facing short tracks nationwide.
- •Freedom Factory will host the CARS Tour opener on February 6, 2027.
- •This marks the series' first appearance in Florida.
- •The track was previously known as DeSoto Speedway and closed in 2018.
- •Cleetus McFarland purchased the facility in 2020 and focused on traditional racing.
- •Drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick are expected to compete.
- 2:18 AMYahoo Sports — From DeSoto Speedway to CARS Tour: The Freedom Factory’s Return to Short Track Racing
"A Florida short track that once sat closed is preparing to host one of the country’s most recognizable Late Model racing tours. The Freedom Factory in Bradenton, formerly known as DeSoto Speedway, will host the zMAX CARS Tour’s 2027 season opener on February 6. It marks the series’ first visit to Florida and the latest…
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