NASCAR has officially released the green‑flag times for the highly anticipated race weekend that will take place at North Wilkesboro Speedway in July 2026, reviving a historic venue that last hosted a national series event more than ten years ago.
A weekend of firsts
The NASCAR Truck Series will kick off the action at 12:48 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, delivering an early‑afternoon dose of close‑quarters competition on the half‑mile track that fans remember for its unique character.
Closing the weekend, the premier NASCAR Cup Series will take the green flag at 7:14 p.m. ET on Sunday, promising a night‑time spectacle under the lights and a chance for drivers to showcase their skill in a different tactical environment.
This weekend marks the sole NASCAR date scheduled at North Wilkesboro for 2026, underscoring its significance as the only national series event the track will host this year and reinforcing its place on the tour’s calendar after a long absence.
The NASCAR O'Reilly Series will not compete at North Wilkesboro; instead, its next appearance is slated for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway later in the season, shifting the focus back to the storied Indiana venue.
What’s next for the series
Fans can look forward to a weekend that blends tradition with fresh excitement, as the return of NASCAR to North Wilkesboro revives a beloved piece of racing heritage while offering a new stage for drivers to contend for victory. The schedule sets the stage for a busy summer of competition across the tour, with each event building toward the climax of the championship playoffs.