One of the most recognizable businesses in downtown Nashville will have a significant presence for the zMAX CARS Tour’s return to the city’s historic short track. 

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a honky-tonk bar known for its vibrant country music atmosphere, is serving as the presenting sponsor for the CARS Late Model Stock Car and Pro Late Model Tour events at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on April 11. The Tootsie’s Music City Showdown marks the first time Nashville has hosted the CARS Tour since 2021. 

The CARS Tour’s Late Model Stock and Pro Late Model classes have never competed at Nashville Fairgrounds during their respective lifespans. A talented group of drivers are expected to make the trip to Nashville Fairgrounds across the two tours, among them being CARS Tour co-owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his No. 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet. 

Steve Smith, owner of Tootsie’s, understands that auto racing is a vital part of Nashville’s history just like country music. He welcomes the CARS Tour’s return to the city and knows Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway is going to put on two fantastic shows, just like it has done for the past several decades.  

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the CARS Tour in Nashville,” Smith said. “This is some of the best racing in America and it belongs at such an iconic track and an iconic city. I grew up across the street from [Nashville] Fairgrounds Speedway and am a huge supporter of racing in Nashville. I can’t wait to watch these guys race and to host the teams at Tootsie’s afterwards.” 

Tootsie’s storied legacy began in 1960 when Hattie Louise ‘Tootsie’ Bess purchased a local bar originally known as Mom’s. After a painter made the exterior of the building purple, Bess changed the name of the bar to Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge to match the new color.  

During its existence, Tootsie’s emphasis on live music helped foster the careers of several aspiring musicians that would go on to become some of the greatest in country music history. Among those who have played at Tootsie’s include Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings.  

In recent years, Tootsie’s has sought to promote its proud history and that of Nashville’s country music scene by investing into Smith’s other passion, stock car racing. Tootsie’s partnered with Trackhouse Racing during the team’s first NASCAR Cup Series in 2021 and continues to sponsor its current drivers in Ross Chastain, Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen. 

Trackhouse owner Justin Marks, who also co-owns the CARS Tour alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton, had always wanted to bring the series back to Nashville Fairgrounds. Marks considers Nashville Fairgrounds to be a staple of the city’s culture with marquee events that include the All American 400 every fall. 

Even as the city evolves around Nashville Fairgrounds, Marks believes there is plenty of room for the historic complex to continue thriving. He is thrilled to have Tootsie’s support the CARS Tour’s role in the facility’s current chapter and looks forward to seeing the series’ Late Model Stock and Pro Late Model divisions tackle Nashville Fairgrounds for the first time.  

“The CARS Tour coming to the Nashville Fairgrounds is huge,” Marks said. “Such a historic track, in a great city, with the most exciting late model racing in the country is a recipe for success. And to have such an iconic Nashville brand like Tootsie’s supporting the event just shows this city’s appetite for great racing events.” 

Like Marks, Nashville Fairgrounds promoter Bob Sargent is eager to have the CARS Tour back at the historic facility after five years. With so much notoriety already being generated around the race, Sargent believes everything is lining up for the Tootsie’s Music City Showdown to be a special weekend for everyone involved.  

“We are excited and honored to host such a major event with the CARS Tour on April 11,” Sargent said. “We are looking forward to working with the CARS Tour management, drivers, fans and everyone from Tootsie’s to make this one of the best events of 2026.” 

Both Tootsie’s and the CARS Tour all going all in to make the upcoming visit to Nashville Fairgrounds memorable and vibrant. A pre-race party will take place at Tootsie’s that Thursday evening before cars hit the track, with additional details set to be announced in the coming weeks. 

FloRacing will provide coverage of all the action on April 11 as the CARS Tour looks to rock Nashville with two great races between the Late Model Stock Car and Pro Late Model Tour for the Tootsie’s Music City Showdown.  

For more information on the zMAX CARS Late Model Stock Tour and the zMAX CARS Pro Late Model Tour, visit www.carsracingtour.com. Be sure to stay active and social with the tour by liking “CARS Tour” on Facebook, following @CARSTour on X (formerly known as Twitter) and scrolling through photos on Instagram cars_tour. 

Additional series information can be obtained by calling the CARS Tour series office, located in Mooresville, NC, at 704-662-9212.