North Wilkesboro hosts the NASCAR All-Star Race

The return of the NASCAR in North Wilkesboro is a stop in the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the premier discipline of American Motor Sport. 

The 0,625 mile (1km) oval is a pioneering track in the history of NASCAR, integrated into the calendar of the discipline which was then called "Modified Division" in 1948. It became a regular stop in 1951, hosting two races per year. Having become dilapidated, the North Wilkesboro Speedway was closed on September 29, 1996 the day after its last Cup Series event. Since then, with the exception of a few historic demonstrations, the enclosure has remained desperately closed. At the instigation of the country's son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., a rescue plan was presented to the American federal fund which released 18 million dollars for the benefit of the State of North Carolina to undertake the work of brought into compliance, making possible the return to the spotlight of this heart of NASCAR track. After considering a dirt track similar to that of Bristol, it was decided to keep the surface dating from 1981 while giving it a little facelift essential to welcoming a pack of Next Gen.

Richard Childress in action in 1975 at North Wilkesboro Speedway © Dozier Mobley/Getty Images

North Wilkesboro becomes the fifth host of the NASCAR All-Star Race for its 39th edition after 2 editions at Texas Motor Speedway, 34 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and 1 round at the Bristol tracks in 2020 and Atlanta in 1986.

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