Lapcevich, McKee Win Long-Awaited CARS Tour Races at North Wilkesboro

NOTE: On Tuesday, August 6, CARS Tour officials disqualified Treyten Lapcevich for an unapproved part. Corey Heim was declared the winner of the Window World 125 as a result. For more information, click here.

After a wait of more than two months, the zMAX CARS Tour hit the track at North Wilkesboro Speedway for the make-up of the Window World 125 and Reverend 100 originally scheduled during the NASCAR All-Star Race Weekend.

Treyten Lapcevich scored his first career CARS Tour victory, while Tristan McKee won the Pro Late Model portion of the event.

Treyten Lapcevich Joins List of CARS Tour Winners

NASCAR Canada Series champion Treyten Lapcevich made the move to the CARS Tour's Late Model Stock division for the 2024 season, teaming up with Chad Bryant Racing for the endeavor. Now, Lapcevich is a winner with the series at its most prestigious venue.

Lapcevich took the lead on lap 68, then withstood some hair-raising moments and a late restart for the victory.

"It's unreal," said Lapcevich. "I've got to thank all the people that have believed in me to get to this point. So, so thankful to have the support of Evirum, the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and Chad Bryant Racing. These guys gave me a great car.

"I feel like we've been running good, but we finally put one together tonight."

A dominant showing nearly ended in the turn three wall for the Canadian driver. Fluid on the racetrack sent Brandon Pierce into a spin, and before he could react Lapcevich also lost traction in the fluid.

While sliding towards the wall - and Pierce's parked machine - Lapcevich maintained enough control of his vehicle to squeeze between Pierce and the fence, only barely brushing the outside wall with his right-side tires.

"I thought it was over, honestly," said Lapcevich. "I hit oil there. We couldn't even tell there was oil on the track. I hit it and just was able to squeeze around the outside of the 2 [of Pierce]."

Lapcevich also apologized post-race for his role in a massive incident on lap nine that ended the race for nine competitors. Lapcevich stumbled on a restart, stacking up the field behind him and creating a chain-reaction that sent several competitors into each other and the turn one wall.

"I also want to throw an apology out there for my mistake earlier in the race. I know my words can't fix those guys' race cars, but I'm really sorry about that. It's a mistake and it happens."

Corey Heim finished second, followed by Mini Tyrell, Carson Kvapil and Brenden Queen. On pit road following the race, Tyrrell and Queen exchanged words following their battle for second on the final restart of the race.

Kevin Harvick took part in the CARS Tour event at North Wilkesboro, finishing 11th. Brent Crews, in another Kevin Harvick, Inc. entry, finished 10th.

Tristan McKee Celebrates His Birthday With Elevator Ride at North Wilkesboro

Tristan McKee turned 14 years old on Saturday, and there was an impromptu celebration in victory lane at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

McKee tallied his third career zMAX CARS Tour Pro Late Model victory in The Reverend Sour Mash Whiskey 100, joining the list of winners at the historic facility. McKee held off a charging Corey Heim in the closing laps for the win.

"My car was getting pretty tight and I was struggling a little bit," said McKee. "I knew they were pretty good. I just wanted them to keep battling and battling and give me some space. They got close, but it was a good race overall. We had some hard racing with Spencer [Davis], it was a good race."

Heim narrowly held off Spencer Davis for the second spot in the final running order. The winner of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at North Wilkesboro in May nearly took another ride on the elevator to the track's rooftop victory lane, but ran out of time.

"I think we would have had a shot at it," said Heim. "As the race went on, we were able to move the grooves around a bit. I was able to find a lot of speed out of two just by being high. It was really tough to pass.

"I can't say enough about Wilson Motorsports. These guys thrashed on this thing all day. I feel like we were a 15th-place car all day and then all of a sudden, we made some changes and we were maybe the best car. The 6 was really good, but we had a shot at it, and that's all I can ask for at the end of the day."

Spencer Davis finished third, with Dylan Fetcho and Matt Craig rounding out the top five.

The CARS Tour returns to action next Friday, August 9 at Ace Speedway. Both the Late Model Stock Cars and Pro Late Models will be part of the event.

CARS Tour Unofficial Results - North Wilkesboro Speedway

Late Model Stock Cars

Pro Late Models