Denny Hamlin, the 2026 NASCAR Cup points leader, has become the most vocal advocate for restoring North Wilkesboro to the 2027 schedule, citing the track’s unique ability to deliver the kind of side‑by‑side racing that fans associate with Bristol.
His call comes just days after he finished runner‑up to Joey Logano in the Window World 450 on July 19, the first points race at the North Carolina venue since 1996, a event that marked the culmination of three consecutive All‑Star weekends held there from 2023 through 2025.
Hamlin described the atmosphere at North Wilkesboro as "the kind of raw, unpredictable racing that makes you feel you’re on the edge of every corner," a sentiment that mirrors his long‑standing admiration for Bristol’s reputation as a short track that never fails to produce drama.
While acknowledging that the track’s infrastructure presents logistical challenges, Hamlin emphasized that the excitement it generates outweighs concerns about capacity, suggesting that the series could explore modest upgrades to accommodate growing fan interest.
The driver also weighed in on the upcoming Chase, predicting that the current top 16 drivers will likely lock in those coveted spots, a forecast that effectively eliminates contenders such as Ross Chastain, Michael McDowell and Brad Keselowski from contention based on recent performance trends.
Affiliated with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin’s perspective carries weight not only because of his on‑track results but also because of the team’s deep roots in NASCAR history, a factor that may influence series officials as they shape next year’s calendar.
Whether the sport chooses to heed Hamlin’s recommendation or not, the conversation underscores a broader shift toward valuing historic venues that continue to deliver the kind of visceral, unpredictable racing that modern fans crave.