North Wilkesboro Speedway is scheduled to host its first NASCAR Cup Series points race in nearly 30 years on July 19, marking a significant moment in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/nascar/”>NASCAR history. This event ends a 29-year hiatus since the last championship points race was held on September 29, 1996, at the iconic short track in Wilkes County.
Background and History of the Speedway’s Hiatus
The final Cup Series race at the .625-mile track was the 1996 Tyson Holly Farms 400, a contest dominated by Jeff Gordon who led 207 of 400 laps to secure victory, followed by Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jarrett. The track had been an important fixture in NASCAR since its early days but ceased hosting Cup Series events after owner Enoch Staley passed away in 1995. Following his death, the speedway was sold to Bruton Smith and Bob Bahre, who reallocated the track’s two annual Cup dates to Texas Motor Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway starting in 1997.
The Track’s Revival and Recent NASCAR Events
After decades of inactivity interrupted only by occasional grassroots racing, North Wilkesboro Speedway underwent restoration supported by state and federal funding. This revitalization led to the return of high-profile NASCAR events, including the All-Star Race in 2023 and 2024. These races helped reestablish the venue’s place on the national stage and demonstrated the continued enthusiasm for short-track racing among fans and drivers.
North Wilkesboro’s Reinstatement on the 2026 Schedule
In a landmark decision for the 2026 season, North Wilkesboro Speedway resurfaces on the Cup Series calendar with a full points-paying event on July 19. This opportunity followed the NASCAR All-Star Race moving to Dover Motor Speedway, which allowed Speedway Motorsports LLC. to promote North Wilkesboro’s event status. Alongside the Cup race, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will compete at the speedway the day before, on July 18.
Significance of the Return for Wilkes County and NASCAR Fans
The return of top-level NASCAR racing to Wilkes County is more than a nostalgic revival—it highlights the lasting appeal of short-track competition and the influence of community and fan support in restoring a historic venue. As the drivers prepare to take the green flag, the legacy of the 1996 races will give way to a hopeful new chapter in NASCAR history.
“We are thrilled to see North Wilkesboro back on the national racing map, showcasing short-track racing at its finest.” —Bob Bahre, Former Track Owner