Once you are a part of NASCAR, you always remain a part no matter where you go. As Dale Earnhardt Jr. acquired the CARS Tour series in late 2022, officially taking over operations in 2023, the help he got to sustain the decade-old late-model racing enterprise was phenomenal. And it was none other than Les Westerfield, who was one of those few pioneers who helped define this springboard for racers—and now it is sad that the gem has left for heaven at the age of 67.

Les Westerfield’s motorsports journey was marked by dedication and impact. Starting in Huntsville, Alabama, his passion for racing began with building go-karts in his backyard and competing fiercely on local dirt tracks. By the late 1970s, he caught the attention of sponsors, opening doors to competitive circuits. Next? His talent shone in the NASCAR All-Pro Series, where he cemented his legacy with a career-defining win at the 1984 All-American 400 in Nashville. For over two decades, Les Westerfield remained a prominent figure in the series, known for his winning spirit and calculated racing style.

So when Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Justin Marks, and Jeff Burton took on the ambitious task of co-owning the CARS Tour in 2023, Les Westerfield stood tall as a foundational figure in integrating NASCAR’s ethos with the CARS Tour’s legacy. His efforts went beyond the track; they fostered a sense of unity among regional track operators and technical directors, ensuring the growth of this vital racing pipeline. Les didn’t just oversee rules and regulations—he built relationships. While we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, tributes pouring in from veterans and peers reflect the depth of his influence and the high regard in which he was held.

Kip Childress, executive director at CARS Tour, who worked closely with Westerfield to develop Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s series and put their heads together to align the NASCAR Weekly Racing and CARS Tour rulebooks, penned a heartfelt message on X. Childress wrote, “Just learned of the passing of Les Westerfield. What an incredibly knowledgeable, humble and loyal man and those of us who were able to learn from him are extremely fortunate. Godspeed, Les. You will certainly be missed.” The two Late Model officials worked to ensure that chassis builders continued to build cars that met both NASCAR and CARS Tour standards.

Thanks to their continued efforts and developments, CARS Tour has become a launchpad for many drivers who have gone on to achieve success at the national level.

• Notable alumni include Josh Berry, Harrison Burton, William Byron, Ty Gibbs, Sam Mayer, and Myatt Snider, who have all made their mark in NASCAR.
• In the past 2 years, the series has continued to nurture emerging talent, including Carson Kvapil, Deac McCaskill, Bobby McCarty, and Layne Riggs.

As all of these young ones would have their bit of memories with Les, he also received an emotional tribute from a remarkable female leader in NASCAR, Cherie Putnam. Cherie, who became the sport’s first woman leader of NASCAR’s only sanctioned series based in Canada in 2017, wrote, “Godspeed Les 💔 words can’t describe what you did for my career with NASCAR, such a pleasure to work with you for those years. Success is achieved by a team and happy to have had you on mine. My thoughts and prayers to the Westerfield family.rest easy my friend.” 

As condolences kept pouring in, what stood out was a post on Facebook from the All-Pro & Nascar All-Pro Racing Series Reunion Page where they shared Les’ son, John Westerfield’s message that he had shared with the admin, which read, “He loves that series and the drivers and officials. He always said those were the best racers and people to be around and was a time he really enjoyed.” The post also featured some throwback pictures of Westerfield alongside others on the track. Here’s one of them:

Clearly, Westerfield was an integral part of the series, and he contributed to so much more than just coordination.

More join hands as Kip Childress sees off the veteran

It is a well-known fact that Dale Earnhardt Jr. acts as an important point of contact between NASCAR and the CARS Tour. More so, he used all his wealth of NASCAR experience to fuel the Late Model Series. Yet Les Westerfield was among those sustaining the sport on asphalt short tracks throughout Virginia and the Carolinas with both Pro Late Model and Late Model Stock divisions. So fans acknowledged the absence of the veteran on these regional short tracks with heavy hearts.

“Saddened to hear this. Loved seeing Les and catching up at the track. Always a pleasure to be around. Godspeed Les.” Another fan chipped in, sending wishes to the Westerfield family. “Dang. Sorry to hear that. Condolences to his family and friends.”

As the CARS Tour is a continuation of the former USAR Pro Cup Series, coordinating this racing legacy is no mean feat and is achieved by people like Les Westerfield. One fan lamented about his missed opportunity: “Remember seeing him around the tracks. Unfortunately, never had the chance to really talk to him. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.” 

Someone wrote, “Les was a great guy! I met him in the All-Pro days, like late 1990’s. We have been friends since! I learned a great deal from him! My daughter got to know him at some ARCA races the last few years. Godspeed Les. 🙏🏻 Prayers for your family and all of those who will miss you!”

As more fans come together to pay their final respects, EssentiallySports extends its heartfelt condolences to the entire Westerfield family and their friends.