NASCAR is on the brink of a major schedule overhaul in 2026, as North Wilkesboro Speedway prepares to host a Cup Series points race for the first time in 30 years. This change involves swapping a race date with Dover Motor Speedway, igniting passionate reactions among fans and participants due to the implications for venues and regional representation.
The Long-Awaited Revival of North Wilkesboro Speedway
North Wilkesboro Speedway, a 0.625-mile oval that has been dormant for Cup Series points racing since Jeff Gordon’s last win there in 1996, is set to return prominently to NASCAR’s calendar. After a $40 million renovation revived the historic track, it proved its renewed capability by hosting the 2023 All-Star Race, signaling its readiness to accommodate modern NASCAR events while preserving its classic appeal.
Christopher Bell, winner of the 2025 All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro, lauded the venue’s quality, describing it as the
best short track on the schedule
and calling it absolutely incredible. This race featured a record 18 lead changes among eight different drivers, showcasing the competitive excitement the track can offer.
The track’s successful return has fueled growing demands from drivers and fans alike for a regular-season points race to be held there, reinforcing a need for more engaging short-track racing on the NASCAR circuit.
Fan Backlash Over Dover’s Role in the 2026 Schedule
The proposed schedule adjustment removes a points race from Dover Motor Speedway, sparking significant criticism from its fanbase. Dover, known as the “Monster Mile,” currently hosts just one points race after losing a second event to Nashville Superspeedway in 2021. Many fans fear that losing this remaining race ignores the loyal NASCAR supporters in the Northeast region.
One fan expressed disdain on social media, saying,
What in the hell would possess NASCAR to be so foolish, the racing product just isn’t very good at Dover right now,
reflecting widespread frustration about the potential removal of Dover’s points race.
Concerns extend beyond the race count as Dover also faces criticism for its shortcomings as a venue. The track lacks lighting infrastructure, meaning the 2026 All-Star Race there would be held during the day for the first time since nighttime races started at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1992, disrupting a longstanding tradition.
The track’s one-mile concrete surface has struggled to produce dynamic racing with the NextGen cars, often resulting in processional competition with limited overtaking. This issue threatens to undermine the excitement expected in the All-Star event, which typically features smaller, more competitive fields.
Regional fan concerns were voiced strongly, including,
At this point it’s obvious they just hate the fans,
as well as worries about attendance drops and the neglect of the Northeastern fan base:
I know attendance is down, which has more to do with the fact the current car setup sucks, but do they just forget there are NASCAR fans up here in the northeast?
Upcoming NASCAR Schedule Announcement and Implications
NASCAR is expected to release its full 2026 Cup Series schedule shortly, confirming that the All-Star Race will remain on its traditional Memorial Day weekend. North Wilkesboro will gain a points race date during the summer, returning competitive racing to a track with deep historical significance and enthusiastic local support.
This swap effectively cuts Dover loose from hosting a points race, a decision likely to influence regional fan engagement and raise questions about NASCAR’s priorities in maintaining its market presence across diverse geographies.
The return of North Wilkesboro to the points race calendar represents a momentous occasion for the sport, reviving a beloved venue that had faded from the spotlight for decades. However, the controversy surrounding Dover’s loss underscores the challenges NASCAR faces balancing tradition, fan loyalty, and commercial interests in reshaping its schedule for the future.