Sep
In 2023, the All-Star Race will surprise North Wilkesboro with a NASCAR appearance, as first reported by Motorsport.com.
One of the eight circuits on the 1949 NASCAR Cup Series first schedule was the 1947-opened North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Bob Flock won the race, which was originally held on dirt, but in 1957 it was changed to asphalt. Up until 1996, it kept serving as the Cup Series’ host. Jeff Gordon took the victory in the 93rd and last race.
Discussions of NASCAR’s comeback in some form have been spurred by its recent resurgence, which was made possible in part by $18 million (used to rebuild infrastructure) from the government American Rescue Plan. Few, though, believed that the legendary speedway would ever see the comeback of Cup cars.
“Motorsports are critical to North Carolina’s history, culture and economy, and our investments have helped to get the engines running again in places that needed revival,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “North Wilkesboro Speedway is back and better than ever, and the All-Star Race will take it to new heights.”
The North Wilkesboro short track’s recent surface was determined to be adequate for NASCAR competition, hence there are no longer any intentions to repave it in 2023.
Since departing Charlotte Motor Speedway and moving to Bristol Motor Speedway and then Texas Motor Speedway starting in 2020, the All-Star Race has been experiencing something of an identity crisis.
From May 19 to 21, North Wilkesboro will host the All-Star race weekend.
“The NASCAR All-Star Race has always been the fans’ race, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the fans during NASCAR’s 75th anniversary than returning to North Wilkesboro Speedway,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “We couldn’t have made this happen without tremendous support from so many people including Gov. Cooper, our state legislature, NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and of course, the people of Wilkes County. We’ve got a lot of work to do, but we’ve got the will to create something special alongside a community and hard-working staff that will get it done.”
The track has received significant support from NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., who recently competed in the CARS Tour late model race there in front of a sold-out crowd.
“Some of my best memories as a little boy were going to North Wilkesboro,” said Earnhardt. “And it got even better when I raced there as a teenager. I never thought I’d see that place full again, and then I got to race there this summer in a late model before a full house. There’s just something special about it. I know the track, the fans, and the community will put on a show when we’re back with the Cup cars for the All-Star race.”
Added NASCAR chief operating officer Steve O’Donnell: “North Wilkesboro Speedway boasts a winners list that features the true giants of our sport, and next year, another great will be added as the NASCAR Cup Series stars once again race at this historic facility. As part of our 75th anniversary season, we’re are excited to return to the roots of the sport for the NASCAR All-Star Race. This will be a can’t-miss event as we honor our past and look forward to the future.”
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