North Wilkesboro Makes a Comeback
Ryan Blaney will lead the field from pole position for the NASCAR Cup Series event at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19. The starting order was determined by the rule‑book metric after rain eliminated traditional qualifying, giving the drivers a rare chance to set their spots by points and performance.
Ross Chastain, who failed inspection three times, will serve a pass‑through penalty at the start of the race, dropping him several positions before the green flag. The event marks the first points‑paying race at the historic 1.54‑mile oval in North Carolina since 1996, and it will run 450 laps, split into three stages of 80, 185 and 185 laps.
The race is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:15 p.m. CT and will be televised nationally on TNT. Viewers can also stream the action on HBO Max and through NASCAR.com, with additional in‑car camera feeds available for each driver. Radio coverage will be provided by PRN on 830 AM in Nashville.
Beyond the on‑track action, the event showcases a deep field of competitors, including Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace, Chase Briscoe and many others who are slated to start outside the top 25. The lineup also features rising talents such as Ty Gibbs, Christopher Bell and Carson Hocevar, while veteran drivers like Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski prepare for a competitive showdown.
Multiple teams are set to field entries, ranging from Team Penske and Joe Gibbs Racing to Spire Motorsports, 23XI Racing and Legacy Motor Club. The race will also be supported by a suite of commercial partners, including TNT, HBO Max, SiriusXM and various sponsors that will be highlighted throughout the broadcast.
Fans attending in person can expect a full weekend of activities, with the track located in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, and nearby Nashville, Tennessee, offering additional hospitality options. The combination of historic racing heritage and modern production values promises a compelling spectacle for both longtime followers and newcomers alike.