Chase Elliott has given enthusiastic support to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s determined efforts to revive North Wilkesboro Speedway, especially as the venue prepares to host the All-Star Race for the third consecutive year. Elliott, speaking ahead of the much-anticipated weekend at North Wilkesboro, emphasized how significant the track’s return is to NASCAR, describing the developments as “all positive.” His backing reflects the excitement building within the racing community over the renewed spotlight on this historic venue.
North Wilkesboro Speedway, a track with deep roots in the heart of NASCAR country, had long suffered from neglect despite remaining active in the grassroots and Late Model circuits. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a longtime advocate for short-track racing, took it upon himself to reignite passion and rally support for the facility’s revival. His initiatives have not only benefited grassroots venues but also helped breathe new life into historic tracks like North Wilkesboro, placing them back on the national stage.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s hands-on approach was evident from the moment he approached Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith in 2019 to prep the aging track for iRacing scans. With his sleeves rolled up, Earnhardt Jr. and his crew made significant improvements to the track surface for the virtual racing platform, sparking renewed interest among fans and drivers alike. The move proved successful, as North Wilkesboro became a favorite on iRacing, and cries for its full-time return to NASCAR soon grew too loud to ignore.
Elliott remarked,
He further added his appreciation for the investment made in the venue, stating,
The growing momentum led to Speedway Motorsports green-lighting a CARS Tour event at North Wilkesboro in 2022, branded as the “Racetrack Revival.” With Earnhardt Jr. personally competing that night, the buzz intensified, paving the way for the track’s selection as the host of the All-Star Race during NASCAR’s 75th anniversary celebration. The restoration efforts accelerated, supported by the outpouring of enthusiasm from drivers and fans, including the high-profile support of Chase Elliott.
Chase Elliott’s advocacy for the continued revival of North Wilkesboro Speedway demonstrates the importance of preserving NASCAR’s historic venues for future generations. His praise for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s leadership underscores a shared vision for keeping the sport’s roots alive while providing exciting new opportunities for drivers and spectators. With the track now actively hosting major events and discussions about a potential points-paying race growing, the revival led by Earnhardt Jr.—with the support of figures like Chase Elliott—signals a promising era for both North Wilkesboro and NASCAR as a whole.
