North Wilkesboro Speedway is gearing up for a historic weekend that will blend the grit of short‑track racing with the pageantry of NASCAR’s top series. The zMAX CARS Tour will stage a doubleheader on Friday night, featuring the Spears Manufacturing 75 for Pro Late Models and the Skyline National Bank 100 for Late Model Stocks, before the track opens its gates to the Craftsman Truck Series and the Cup Series later in the weekend.
Reviving a Legend
The event marks the first time Cup‑point competition has been held at North Wilkesboro since 1996, ending a three‑decade hiatus that turned the venue into a pilgrimage site for longtime fans. The 2022 CARS Tour doubleheader proved pivotal in sparking the speedway’s revival, and the momentum generated then is now being channeled into this milestone weekend.
A Star‑Studded Lineup
Among the drivers slated to compete are Chase Elliott, who will tackle both Friday night features and the Truck Series race on Saturday, as well as rising talents such as Corey Heim, Kaden Honeycutt, Jesse Love, and Landon Huffman. The roster also includes Mini Tyrrell, Caden Kvapil, and Keelan Harvick, each bringing a blend of experience and youthful ambition that promises a fiercely contested field.
Broadcast & Community
Broadcast coverage will be anchored by Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is set to join FloRacing’s commentary team for the weekend. His presence adds a layer of nostalgia and insight that resonates with longtime followers of the sport while introducing new audiences to the action.
Beyond the driver lineup, the weekend’s outcome will hinge on subtle factors such as setup choices, track position, tire management and the ever‑present risk of contact. With a deep field of capable competitors, the races are poised to deliver drama that could reshape storylines heading into the broader NASCAR season.
A Celebration of Heritage
The collaboration between the CARS Tour, NASCAR and local partners underscores a broader effort to breathe new life into historic venues across the country. As the engines roar and the crowd gathers, the revival of North Wilkesboro stands as a testament to the power of racing to unite generations.