Momentum had been building for some time to see North Wilkesboro Speedway host a NASCAR Cup Series points race. Wednesday, it became official — North Wilkesboro will host its first points race since 1996 on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Based on data NASCAR collected, a North Wilkesboro points race is a no-brainer. Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, chief revenue & racing innovation officer, said “we had about 70% of our fans and four out of five [who are] 18 to 34 years old that asked for North Wilkesboro to move to a points event,” via Kelly Crandall of RACER/ESPN.
Kennedy added, per NASCAR.com: “The biggest factor was our fans and the feedback that we heard from them after the All-Star Race this year. You know, 70% of them asked for a points race at North Wilkesboro, and it was about four out of five 18- to 34-year-olds also asked for a points race at North Wilkesboro. I think on top of that, we also heard from the industry that hey, it’s been great having the All-Star Race here for a few years, but we’d love to see a return to a points event.
“And being in TNT’s portion of the season with Dale Jr. in the booth, it’s been 30 years since we’ve had a points race at North Wilkesboro since Jeff Gordon went to Victory Lane in the late 1990s, it’s going to be a great return. So, we’re excited to see it.”
North Wilkesboro swaps places with Dover
North Wilkesboro hosted the All-Star Race in each of the last three seasons. It and Dover Motor Speedway have essentially swapped places. Dover will host the All-Star Race on Sunday, May 17. “The Monster Mile” has now lost both of its points race dates in recent years.
Dover notably does not have lights. As a result, Kennedy said the 2026 All-Star Race will “more than likely be a day race.”
“They don’t have lights there, obviously,” Kennedy said, via Jeff Gluck of The Athletic. “So, would have to be some sort of temporary lighting.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been a major supporter of North Wilkesboro. As you can imagine, he’s pleased to see the iconic short track back on the regular season schedule.
“North Wilkesboro getting points race is badass,” Earnhardt Jr. said on the Dale Jr. Download. “I think it finishes the entire rebirth story. It’ll be in the broadcast window — I will be there to broadcast it. … Dover getting an All-Star Race. Everybody’s like, ‘Man, why the frick are we going to Dover for the All-Star Race?’ I also had that same reaction.
“I’ve had the opportunity to talk to [Speedway Motorsports CEO] Marcus Smith about this. I’m not on their payroll. I’ve not made a dime for Wilkesboro. I’ve enjoyed the entire experience, but I’m just trying to make clear that there’s no monetary benefit to me whatsoever, no matter what happens to Wilkesboro, but I’m thrilled that they’re getting a points race. I’m happy that it’s in the middle of the summer, because the track needs to be hot, it needs to be tough for it to put on the 400-mile race we want. Hopefully we get that soft tire and all that good stuff.”
