RALEIGH, N.C. — The zMAX CARS Tour heads into one of its most chaotic — and entertaining — stops of the season Saturday night, as a stacked Late Model Stock field takes on the tight confines of Wake County Speedway.
The 175-lap showdown at the quarter-mile “bullring” is set for 7 p.m. ET and will stream live on FloRacing, marking the second race of the 2026 season and one of the most unpredictable nights on the schedule. ()
If you’re looking for clean air and personal space, this is not the race for you.
Wake County Speedway, a .25-mile oval nestled just outside Raleigh, is one of the smallest tracks in pavement racing — and that means traffic comes early, often and usually all at once. () With more than 30 cars on the entry list battling for limited starting spots, qualifying alone will feel like a main event. ()
And once the green flag drops, it only gets tighter.
Saturday’s race features an expanded 175-lap distance — up from previous events — adding a layer of strategy to a track that typically rewards aggression over patience. () Drivers will have to manage tires, survive traffic and somehow keep their fenders straight long enough to contend at the end.
That’s easier said than done.
The entry list is loaded with talent — and notably without a few names competing elsewhere this weekend — creating a wide-open feel to the race.
Ronnie Bassett Jr. headlines the field, joined by contenders like Mason Bailey, Carson Brown, Jared Fryar and Landen Lewis, all capable of winning on any given night. () Drivers such as Caden Kvapil, Donovan Strauss and Mini Tyrrell add even more depth, with Tyrrell returning to defend his Wake County victory from a year ago.
Local flavor could play a major role as well.
Carson Haislip, a Raleigh native and track champion, enters with perhaps the most confidence of anyone in the field after dominating weekly competition at Wake County last season. A strong qualifying effort will be key — because at this place, starting up front is less of an advantage and more of a survival tactic.
There are also unique storylines sprinkled throughout the grid.
Carter Langley steps into the No. 77 car for Landon S. Huffman, who is competing in the ARCA Menards Series East race at Hickory the same night — a reminder of just how busy and interconnected short track racing can be.
And then there’s the track itself.
Wake County has been testing drivers since 1962, and despite modern upgrades, it hasn’t lost its edge. Tight corners, limited grip and constant traffic create an environment where even the smallest mistake can trigger a chain reaction.
In other words, it’s the perfect recipe for a Saturday night show.
The combination of a deep field, increased race distance and one of the toughest bullrings in the country means anything can happen — and usually does.
So yes, expect contact. Expect tempers. And expect someone to earn that trophy the hard way.
At Wake County, they always do.
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