The Midwest Tour, which has operated under the ASA banner for the last three seasons, is undergoing a major transformation. Through a merger between the leadership groups of ASA and CARS Tour West, the series has been rebranded as the CARS Midwest Tour. Starting in 2027, the division will adopt the unified technical specifications utilized by all other divisions under the MDM Promotions umbrella.
A central focus of this transition is the move toward a standardized rules package, particularly impacting racers in Wisconsin. The new structure aims to transition the region from two-barrel carburetors to the four-barrel package, similar to those used in the CARS National Tour. This change requires teams to update components such as brakes, drivelines, and suspensions.
The shift was championed by new investors, including Kevin Harvick, who joined MDM Promotions founder Marty Melo and western promoter Tim Huddleston. Harvick stated that the goal is to establish a uniform rules package nationwide, promoting consistency and structure across the industry, with the Midwest region playing a significant role in crowning a national champion.
To incentivize the transition, the CARS Midwest Tour has committed to a minimum payout of $10,000-to-win and $2000-to-start for its races, though marquee events will naturally feature larger purses. While the reception from the racing community has been mixed, the new leadership is working to ensure a smooth transition before the 2027 season begins.
Source: Short Track Scene