Rules alignment strengthens national consistency, competitor opportunities and partnership growth under the newly unified ownership group
WOODVILLE, Wis. (Oct. 15, 2026) – As part of the recently announced unification of seven racing series under the new ownership group of Kevin Harvick, Tim Huddleston and Marty Melo, the ASA Midwest Tour, which will compete as the CARS Midwest Tour beginning in 2027, has announced that it will adopt the current ULRA Super Late Model rules package for the 2027 racing season.
This decision represents an important step toward establishing greater consistency in Super Late Model competition across the country while reducing regional differences that have historically created challenges for competitors, teams, manufacturers and industry partners.
By aligning with the ULRA rules package, the CARS Midwest Tour will operate under a more nationally consistent technical framework, allowing competitors greater flexibility to participate in events across multiple regions without the added expense and complications associated with differing rules packages.
“One of our primary objectives with the unification of these series is to bring greater consistency to short- track racing across the country,” said Marty Melo. “For too long, competitors have faced different rules depending on where they race. Moving the Midwest Tour to the ULRA rules package is a significant step toward eliminating those barriers and creating a more unified approach to Super Late Model racing.
“The Midwest has a rich history of unique engine combinations that are an important part of the region’s competitive identity,” Melo continued. “We are committed to working with competitors to ensure these combinations continue to have a place in our series, while maintaining a fair and competitive racing environment.”
Melo added the news that all CARS Midwest Tour Super Late Model races will pay a minimum $10,000 to win and $2,000 to start, with several marquee events upping the winner’s purse even further.
The move also supports the organization’s long-term business and marketing strategy by creating greater coherence for existing and prospective industry partners.
With an expanded national footprint, the unified ownership group and series provide manufacturers, suppliers and corporate partners with opportunities to develop relationships across multiple series and regions. Establishing consistent technical standards will help ensure that products, equipment and sponsorship programs can be supported and promoted throughout the organization.
“Our goal is to establish a uniformed rules package nationwide,” Harvick added. “This allows our competitors and officials the consistency we have seen work across the country. Greater alignment will create the simplicity, organization, and structure that benefits the entire industry. The goal in aligning all these regions is to eventually crown a national champion in both the Pro and Super divisions, with the Midwest region playing a significant role in achieving that objective.”
The adoption of the ULRA rules package is part of a broader initiative by the new ownership group which hopes to establish greater uniformity in rules, procedures and competition standards across its seven racing series.
“Our goal is to make it easier for teams to compete, easier for partners to participate and ultimately strengthen Super Late Model racing nationwide,” Melo concluded. “This is another important step in building a unified and sustainable future for short track racing.”
The CARS Midwest Tour recognizes that transitioning to a nationally aligned rules package requires communication and coordination with competitors, engine builders, chassis manufacturers and other industry stakeholders. Additional technical information, implementation details and any necessary clarifications will be communicated to teams in advance of the 2027 racing season.