Setzer Racing and Development
Owner: Brandon Setzer | Founded: 2021 | Base: North Carolina | Series: CARS Tour PLM, SAPS | Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Team Overview
Setzer Racing and Development has become the gold standard for Pro Late Model driver development in the CARS Tour. Founded in 2021 by Brandon Setzer — with guidance from his father Dennis Setzer, a former NASCAR Truck Series driver — the team provides fast, reliable race cars and one-on-one coaching that has produced a remarkable pipeline of talent advancing to higher levels of motorsport.
The team won the 2025 CARS Tour PLM championship with Ben Maier and followed it up by putting Mason Walters in victory lane at the 2026 season opener. Alumni include William Sawalich (now in the NASCAR Xfinity Series), Tristan McKee (TA2/ARCA), and George Phillips (ASA Super Late Models).
2026 Drivers
- Mason Walters — No. 6, PLM (Chevrolet). Won the 2026 PLM opener at Southern National. 2026 PLM points leader.
- Evan McKnight — No. 20, PLM. 17, from Windermere FL / Huntersville NC. 2 PLM wins, 6 poles, 11 podiums in 15 starts.
Championships & Accolades
- 2025 CARS Tour PLM Drivers Championship (Ben Maier)
- 2022 CARS Tour PLM Owners Championship
- 2017 CARS Tour Super Late Model Owners Championship
- 2023 Carolina PLM Series Championship (George Phillips)
- 30+ late model wins
2026 PLM Owner Standings (through 4 races)
Setzer R&D fields the No. 1 PLM owner entry in the 2026 standings with the #6 of Mason Walters (153 points, 1 win, 4 top-10s) and the No. 4 PLM owner entry with the #20 of Evan McKnight (132 points, 0 wins, 3 top-10s). The #6 leads JC Motorsports's #54 by 18 points; the #20 trails the #6 by 21. Both Setzer cars enter the Langley Speedway round Saturday, May 30 in the top four of the owner board.
Up Next
The CARS Tour PLM field reconvenes at Langley Speedway on Saturday, May 30.