WILKESBORO, N.C. — Former race car driver Dean Combs was one of many fans rooting for the return of the North Wilkesboro Speedway.
What You Need To Know
- Former race car driver Dean Combs was one of many fans rooting for the return of the North Wilkesboro Speedway
- Having competed on the speedway many times, he is now looking to pass the torch to his grandsons, who will get the opportunity to continue the family racing tradition
- He said he is excited to see life restored to the track he grew up enjoying
He grew up on the 24 acres of land right behind the track and still lives there today.
“I have been here all my life, and have watched about every aspect of this thing and have loved it. I love living here, and wouldn’t live anywhere else in this old country," Combs said.
During his career, he won about 60 races, including five national championships.
Having competed on the speedway many times, he is now looking to pass the torch to his grandsons, who will get the opportunity to continue the family racing tradition.
“I said, 'Well I'm done with racing. I'm not racing anymore.' But then came two grandkids, and when they came along, you got Tyler sitting there and Dylan, my other grandkid. Both of them are 27 years old. Both of them love racing. They got involved, and it kind of brought me back to it,” he explained.
He said he is excited to see life restored to the track he grew up loving.
"Losing the track and it coming back, it kind of brings tears to my eyes hearing the first race car fire up here," Combs said.
Events for the NASCAR All-Star Race kicked off on May 10 and will run through May 21.
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