NASCAR announced that the 2027 All-Star Race will return to North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 23, offering a $1 million prize purse that underscores the series’ commitment to celebrating its heritage while rewarding elite performance.
A Historic Return to North Wilkesboro
The weekend will begin with a Truck Series contest on May 21, followed by an O’Reilly Series event on May 22, before the Cup cars take the track for the headline race. The schedule marks the 30th anniversary of the track’s last Cup date in 1996, a milestone that has been built into a broader celebration of the venue’s resurgence.
Speedway Motorsports, which operates the half‑mile asphalt oval, has been revitalized through pandemic‑era recovery funding and sustained community backing, allowing the venue to host national series races for the first time in decades. NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Ben Kennedy highlighted the track’s role in “celebrating NASCAR’s history, current momentum and future growth,” emphasizing the deep support from local fans.
In addition to the traditional format, NASCAR plans to introduce an innovative element — whether a new race‑craft rule or a technical twist — that will be revealed as the event approaches, adding a fresh layer of excitement for competitors and viewers alike. The broadcast will be carried by FOX Sports, which will air the first 14 Cup events of the 2027 season, further cementing the partnership between the sport and the network.
The All-Star Race will serve as the finale of the 2027 Cup Series schedule, closing out the year on a high note and giving fans a final chance to see the sport’s biggest stars contend on a track that has become a symbol of NASCAR’s enduring legacy.