The NASCAR Cup Series will stage its first points‑paying race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in almost 30 years, with the Window World 450 qualifying set for July 18. The session, condensed to two laps, will determine the starting grid for a race that has been absent from the championship schedule since the mid‑1990s.
A Milestone Weekend
Qualifying will air live on truTV at 6:10 p.m. Eastern, preceded by a practice hour that begins at 5 p.m. ET. The broadcast will also be streamed on HBO Max, while audio coverage will be available through NASCAR.com and SiriusXM, the latter requiring a subscription.
The event falls within the current Chase, a playoff format that still has six regular‑season races remaining. Each result in the upcoming weeks could reshape the championship picture, adding extra stakes to the historic return to the 0.625‑mile oval.
North Wilkesboro Speedway, located in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, is a classic short track that has long been a breeding ground for regional talent. Its compact layout and tight turns promise a unique challenge for drivers and a distinctive experience for fans.
Beyond the on‑track action, the weekend underscores NASCAR’s effort to revive historic venues while maintaining a modern production framework. The combination of live television, multiple streaming platforms and extensive audio options reflects the series’ commitment to reaching a broad audience.