There has long been conversation over what the best route to NASCAR is. Is it the traditional Short Track route? Is it to start on Dirt? Or even to start in Karts? It’s debatable. And truthfully, it doesn’t really matter.

The ARCA Menards Series has long been considered the “4th Tier” of the NASCAR ladder. But in my opinion, I think the CARS Tour should be considered, at least, on the same level as ARCA.

What Is The CARS Tour?

For those unfamiliar with the CARS Tour, allow me to enlighten you. The CARS Tour is a hyper-regional Asphalt Late Model Racing Series, mainly located in the Carolinas and South-Central Virginia. It features Pro Late Models, Late Model Stock Cars, and some of the most exciting racing you’ll see.

It has also provided a starting point for many of NASCAR’s rising prospects like Layne Riggs and Carson Kvapil. While also providing a springboard into traditional oval racing for other prospects like Connor Zilisch and 16-Year Old Toyota Development Driver, Brent Crews.

The Better Way To Develop Drivers

The CARS Tour will allow young drivers to adapt to NASCAR level competition. Something that can’t really be said for ARCA. ARCA is not as competitive as it once was. A typical race nowadays may see 10 or less cars finish on the lead lap, while the leader leads all of the laps and wins by a few seconds, without much of fight. Meanwhile, the CARS Tour routinely puts on races with thrilling action from start to finish, where most of the field is competitive and has a shot to win.

I am certainly not an expert, so take all of this with a grain of salt. But I would think that being in a closer and more competitive setting would give drivers a better chance to learn the dos and don’ts of oval racing.

Why ARCA Still Matters

Don’t take this as me saying, ”Oh, ARCA doesn’t matter and should be abolished from the NASCAR ladder”. I’m not. ARCA still matters and most certainly has its place in the development process of young drivers. It still provides the opportunity to learn big ovals in a more “relaxed” (a relative term here) setting with less stiff competition. Allowing them to get there feet wet rather been being thrown into the deep end.

Image: CARS Tour Facebook