The Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour announced today the hiring of motorsports industry veteran Kip Childress as the series’ executive director. In this role the well-known Childress will work alongside CARS Tour Series Director Jack McNelly in overseeing operations and track events, beginning this week.
The 52-year-old Childress is a third-generation official who has spent the past 14 years with NASCAR in various roles in its regional touring series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and most recently the NASCAR Cup Series as the assistant director. During that time, and in years prior, Childress developed professional relationships with the CARS Tour ownership group of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks.
“Kip’s professionalism and positive attitude is going be a huge benefit for the CARS Tour,” said Harvick. “He is well respected within the industry and is very passionate about this role. We’re happy to have him.”
The addition of Childress is the latest strategic move by the ownership group aimed at solidifying a robust sanctioning body and reinforcing the CARS Tour as the Southeast’s premier asphalt Late Model Series for years to come.
“I can’t thank Dale, Jeff, Kevin and Justin enough for this opportunity,” said Childress, a native of Winston-Salem, N.C. “Jack and the entire CARS Tour staff have done an outstanding job growing the series, and I can’t wait to jump right in to help keep the momentum going. The future of the CARS Tour is extremely bright.”
Now in its ninth year, the CARS Tour is at the midpoint of its scheduled 19-race season. The series’ next event will feature the Pro Late Models at Wake County Speedway (July 8). All races are live streamed on FloRacing.com.
— CARS Tour —