After a three-decade absence, the NASCAR Cup Series North Wilkesboro will make its eagerly awaited return to North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19, 2026, when drivers compete in the Window World 400. This 400-lap, Sunday night event will serve as a playoff race, offering a coveted spot in the NASCAR Playoffs to the winner.
North Wilkesboro Speedway, one of NASCAR’s original tracks, last hosted a Cup Series points race on September 29, 1996, a contest famously won by Jeff Gordon. While the race’s champions have changed from legends like Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, and Terry Labonte to current stars such as Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, and Denny Hamlin, the return marks a fresh chapter in the track’s storied history.
A Historic Track Revitalized Through Recent Successes
The five-eighths-mile oval has experienced a renaissance in recent years, having hosted the past three NASCAR All-Star Races. The latest event in May featured a memorable duel between Joey Logano and eventual winner Christopher Bell, showcasing the competitive excitement that defines North Wilkesboro.
Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith reflected on this resurgence:
“This year reminded everyone how great the action is at North Wilkesboro Speedway, It’s a challenge for the drivers and the teams to master this short track and because of that, you don’t know who’s going to win until the checkered flag flies.”
—Marcus Smith, Speedway Motorsports President and CEO
Buoyed by impressive fan enthusiasm and sponsorship support following the All-Star events, the track has earned the opportunity to elevate its premier status with a points race carrying direct playoff implications.
Race Details and Additional Events Scheduled for 2026 Weekend
The 400-lap Window World 400 promises intense, strategic racing under the lights, as drivers compete not only for prize money and prestige but also for advancement in the championship. Reflecting on the unique demands of the race, an engaged NASCAR insider commented:
“It’s going to be cool to see 400 laps of wheel-to-wheel racing under the lights at North Wilkesboro and how the strategies in a longer race play out. Whoever wins the Window World 400 will really have to earn it, because now, it’s about more than big money and bragging rights. There’s a playoff berth on the line.”
The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will also be featured during the weekend, returning to North Wilkesboro with a 250-lap race on Saturday, July 18. This series initially debuted at the track in 1996 and made a comeback in 2023. Further details regarding competition schedules, supporting entertainment, and broadcast information will be disclosed closer to the event.
Community and Industry Leaders Celebrate the Track’s Revival
North Wilkesboro Speedway Chairman of the Board and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. highlighted the significance of the track’s return to the Cup Series:
“You know I’m a big believer in the value of short track racing and its history in our sport, so to me this is the biggest news on the 2026 schedule.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., North Wilkesboro Speedway Chairman of the Board
Earnhardt Jr. also shared his personal connection to the track’s restoration:
“When I was preparing North Wilkesboro with Marcus (Smith) in 2019 for an iRacing scan, I felt like I was working inside an iconic time capsule. Now the track is more amazing than ever, born again after a lot of dedication and hard work. I can’t wait to see 400 laps of night racing there. It’s massive for the surrounding community, but every fan of NASCAR is going to feel like a winner next July.”
Window World, the race’s title sponsor and a local company deeply invested in the area’s resurgence, has maintained its partnership with North Wilkesboro Speedway since 2022. Tammy Whitworth, CEO of Window World, expressed pride in supporting the race:
“As a North Wilkesboro-based company and knowing what it means to this community, it’s been a true honor and privilege for us to be a partner with North Wilkesboro Speedway throughout their rebirth.”
—Tammy Whitworth, Window World CEO
Whitworth elaborated on the broader impact of sponsoring a NASCAR Cup Series points race:
“Sponsoring a points race in the NASCAR Cup Series gives us the chance to bring an even greater spotlight on this region and all the good things that happen here. Through our national network of store owners and employees, we’ll do our part to bring positive attention to Wilkes County and the North Carolina mountains next summer.”
Ticket Availability and Fan Engagement Opportunities
Tickets and camping options for the 2026 window World 400 event are now available, offering fans affordable access to this historic return. The North Wilkesboro Speedway continues to engage its audience through social media channels on platforms like X, Instagram, and Facebook, where followers can stay updated on event announcements and news throughout the season.
This long-awaited event signals a major milestone for North Wilkesboro Speedway, the surrounding community, and NASCAR fans eager to witness the return of top-level stock car racing to one of the sport’s most cherished venues. The Window World 400 will test drivers‘ skills and strategy, while reigniting a deep-rooted connection between the sport and its historic origins in North Carolina.