Where Are the Former CARS Tour Champions? A Deep Dive into the CARS Tour's Legacy Drivers
The CARS Tour, a powerhouse in the world of late model stock car racing, is set to crown its 11th champion this Saturday at North Wilkesboro Speedway. But beyond the excitement of the upcoming championship, a fascinating question arises: what happens to the tour's past champions? This article takes a closer look at the journeys of some of the CARS Tour's most notable drivers, exploring their paths to success and their impact on the sport.
The Rise of Champions: A Look at Recent Success Stories
- Brenden Queen: From Langley to NASCAR's Elite
Brenden Queen, known as 'Butterbean', burst onto the scene in 2022, winning the South Carolina 400 in his first start with Lee Pulliam Performance. This marked the beginning of his rise from a Langley Speedway regular to a rising national star. Queen dominated the CARS Tour in 2023 and 2024, narrowly missing the 2023 title but storming back in 2024 to claim the championship with eight top-five finishes. His success translated to the ARCA Menards Series, where he became a rookie champion with Pinnacle Racing Group in 2024. Queen's meteoric rise culminated in his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with Kaulig Racing and a full-time spot with their new RAM NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program for 2026.
- Kaden Honeycutt: A Narrow Victory and a Full-Time Future
Kaden Honeycutt secured the 2024 Pro Late Model championship by a narrow margin over Spencer Davis. A CARS Tour veteran, Honeycutt's success in the Pro Late Model division was propelled by three wins on the season. His part-time schedule in the Truck Series with Niece Motorsports led to a full-time spot for 2025, but his future with the team beyond 2025 remains uncertain. Honeycutt's talent has also drawn rumors of a potential move to TRICON Garage for 2026.
- Carson Kvapil: Building a Legacy at JR Motorsports
Carson Kvapil, the son of former Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil, built his own legacy at JR Motorsports. Starting as a shop guy, he earned a full-time ride through hard work and a Super Late Model championship in 2021. Kvapil dominated the CARS Tour, winning 12 races in full-time efforts in 2022 and 2023, and five in 2024. His success translated to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he finished fourth at Martinsville in 2024 and is currently in the Round of 8, vying for a spot in the Championship 4.
- Caden Kvapil: Following in Brother's Footsteps
Caden Kvapil, Carson's younger brother, found success in the CARS Tour as well. After a season-long battle with Katie Hettinger and three wins, Caden claimed the 2023 Pro Late Model title, sweeping the series titles with brother Carson. In 2024, Caden bounced around between Pro Late Model and Super Late Models before moving to Late Model Stock competition in 2025. His future with JR Motorsports remains uncertain, but his relationship with the team and his brother's success suggest a potential continuation of the Kvapil legacy at JR Motorsports.
- Luke Fenhaus: From Wisconsin to the Truck Series
Luke Fenhaus won the inaugural CARS Pro Late Model championship in 2022, driving the No. 96 for Highlands Motorsports. Despite not winning a race, Fenhaus secured the title with top-five finishes in 11 of 12 races. He moved to the ARCA Menards Series East in 2023, winning two races and finishing second in the championship. This season, Fenhaus has made his mark in the Craftsman Truck Series for ThorSport Racing, including a third-place finish at Michigan International Speedway.
- Bobby McCarty: A Three-Time Champion and a Late Model Guy
Bobby McCarty, the only three-time champion in series history, is a legend of the CARS Tour and Late Model Stock racing. McCarty claimed three titles driving the Nelson Motorsports No. 22 for Barry Nelson. His 12 wins are tied for second all-time, but he has only one NASCAR start, 31st at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2022. McCarty recently stepped away from the CARS Tour to focus on his own team, McCarty Motorsports, competing at the NASCAR Regional level.
- Jared Fryar: A Champion in 2020 and Beyond
Jared Fryar secured his lone CARS Late Model Stock championship in 2020, amidst a challenging season impacted by COVID-19 regulations. Despite the obstacles, Fryar's victory over Layne Riggs and Corey Heim by a combined 16 points showcased his resilience. Fryar's success in 2025, with three CARS LMSC race wins, further cements his status as a late model racing legend.
- Josh Berry: From CARS to NASCAR's Elite
Josh Berry, the 2017 CARS Late Model Stock champion, paved the way for success from the CARS Tour. Berry's 22 CARS Tour victories, ten more than the next closest, are a testament to his talent. After a pivot to the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, Berry secured the Division I championship. His success translated to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he won at Martinsville in 2021 and secured a full-time spot with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2024. Berry's first career Cup Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2025 further cements his place in NASCAR's elite.
- Deac McCaskill: A Founding Member and a Long-Time Contender
Deac McCaskill, a founding member of the CARS Tour, won his first and only championship in 2016. After narrowly missing the title in 2015, McCaskill stormed back to beat Tommy Lemons Jr. His 10 victories place him fourth all-time in series wins. McCaskill has scaled back from full-time racing, competing part-time at home tracks, but his legacy as an early member of the Tour remains intact.
- Brayton Haws: The Inaugural Champion
Brayton Haws, the inaugural Late Model Stock car champion in 2015, put together a stellar campaign, winning the title by five points over McCaskill. However, Haws hasn't made much noise on the racing scene since, with only one post on his Facebook page since 2020. Despite this, Haws' legacy as the first champion of what has become the most competitive asphalt late model series in North America is undeniable.
The Future of Champions: Maier and Hall's Quest
As the CARS Tour prepares for its 11th champion, Ben Maier and Landen Lewis are poised to make their mark. Maier, all-but-locked for the Pro Late Model championship, and Lewis, battling Connor Hall for the LMSC title, are the latest drivers aiming to join the ranks of these legendary champions.
