The last NASCAR Cup Series race at the legendary North Wilkesboro Speedway was held in 1996. But NASCAR is coming back to the historic track with the 2023 All-Star Race.

The speedway, which hangs over U.S. 421 in the North Carolina foothills, had fallen into disrepair. The state committed millions from the American Rescue Act to revive the track and bring races back to Wilkes County.

"We are the birthplace of NASCAR," Gov. Roy Cooper said, flanked by race officials and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

What You Need To Know

  • The historic North Wilkesboro Speedway will host the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race

  • The race will be held May 21, 2023

  • Last month, the speedway held its first races since 1996

  • The track had fallen into disrepair, but the state used $18 million from the American Rescue Act to help get the speedway open again

“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,” the governor said. "When you go into the North Wilkesboro Speedway, it's almost like a cathedral."

The track was an icon in the NASCAR world, but the speedway had deteriorated and decayed. Vines and trees grew through the stands and the pock-marked track.

But the infusion of money and an army of volunteers cleaned up the track and stands. The speedway reopened in August for its first races since 1996.

The All-Star Race is set for May 21, 2023.

"What we've already done, and having Dale Jr. race in North Wilkesboro just a few weeks ago, that just boggles the mind that that even happened," the governor said. "To think about the All-Star Race in North Wilkesboro, that's almost beyond comprehension."

"The race track can be so much for the community, so much for western North Carolina, not as just a race track. There are so many other opportunities, a multi-event space for that place," Earnhardt said. "We want it to really benefit the community as much as possible."

“Some of my best memories as a little boy were going to North Wilkesboro,” he said. “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.”

“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 CEO Marcus Smith.

The speedway had fallen into disrepair, with grass growing through the track in this photograph from 2021. (Photo: Charles Duncan)

 

The state dedicated more than $45 million to help revitalize 17 race tracks in North Carolina to improve water, sewer and other infrastructure at the speedways.

Earnhardt and the others making the announcement Thursday acknowledged the historic speedway is not like the massive NASCAR tracks in Charlotte or Daytona. Those modern NASCAR tracks can handle upward of 80 to 100,000 spectators. North Wilkesboro can hold a fraction of that.

"I was at the race Wednesday and I said, 'Is this really happening?' Because we have worked on this for years to no avail, and then in 2020 things turned around," said Wilkes County Commissioner Eddie Settle. "Who would have believed we'd have an All-Star Race in North Wilkesboro? It's surreal."