The NASCAR Cup Series will head to North Wilkesboro Speedway this Sunday, July 19, for a points‑paying event that kicks off at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, marking the track’s long‑awaited return to the championship schedule.
A historic venue makes its comeback
The half‑mile oval, once a staple of early stock‑car racing, has been meticulously restored after years of dormancy and recently headlined two All‑Star races, proving that the track still holds a special place in NASCAR’s narrative.
This race forms part of the final stretch of the $1 million In Season Challenge, where the remaining semifinalists — Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, Todd Gilliland and Chase Elliott — will battle for valuable stage points that could shape the playoff picture.
Fans can watch the action live on TNT, with a Sling subscription providing the only streaming avenue in the United States. Sling offers flexible passes — 1‑Day, 3‑Day and 7‑Day — and optional add‑ons such as Sports Extra, Entertainment/Hollywood Extra, Heartland Extra and News Extra.
What’s at stake
The penultimate week of the Challenge adds extra urgency, as each stage point could influence playoff seeding. The event also underscores TNT’s five‑race Cup Series schedule this season, all of which are accessible through Sling, giving viewers a consistent home for the series’ most pivotal races.
Beyond the on‑track competition, the broadcast highlights the track’s specifications — a 0.625‑mile concrete oval — and its legacy as a testing ground for some of the sport’s most memorable moments, reinforcing the narrative that NASCAR is reviving tradition while embracing modern viewing options.