Highlands Motorsports joins ASA Stars Tour Platinum

Highlands Motorsports, the Virginia-based team owned by Wade and Sheila Lopez and Josh Reeves, is making the leap to the national stage in 2025 by joining the ASA STARS National Tour. After back-to-back championships in the CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series in 2022 and 2023, the team is now entering the Super Late Model ranks—and they’re doing it with elite driver Derek Thorn behind the wheel.

About ASA STARS

The ASA STARS National Tour, revived in 2023 by Track Enterprises, is one of the premier Super Late Model racing series in the U.S. It brings together top-tier talent and teams from across the country, offering a national platform for late model racing excellence.

Highlands Motorsports’ entry into the series marks a major milestone in the team’s journey—and one that race fans won’t want to miss.

From Regional Dominance to National Ambitions

Founded by longtime racing enthusiast and former driver Wade Lopez, Highlands Motorsports has quickly become a powerhouse. In partnership with Josh Reeves, skilled motorsports engineer and former ARCA and NASCAR driver, the team has built a track record of success. Together, they’ve guided top drivers like Luke Fenhaus and Caden Kvapil to CARS Tour titles.

Now, they’re setting their sights on a new challenge: competing full-time in the ASA STARS National Tour.

A Championship-Caliber Driver

To lead the charge, Highlands has signed Derek Thorn, one of the top short track racers in the country. The California native brings with him a stacked resume, including six Spears Southwest Tour titles, two ARCA Menards Series West championships, and a Snowball Derby win. Thorn’s experience and consistency make him a strong contender in the 2025 ASA STARS National Tour Championship battle.