Amid growing anticipation for a possible NASCAR Cup Series points race at North Wilkesboro, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has shared crucial guidance, urging organizers to avoid risky decisions that could compromise the event’s success. His advice comes as momentum builds for North Wilkesboro following its 2022 revival, raising questions about the track’s readiness for full integration into the Cup Series schedule and making a pressing topic for fans and insiders.
Drivers React to All-Star Race Caution Strategy
During the recent All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro, a late caution issued by the race promoter changed the complexion of the competition, leaving several drivers at a disadvantage. Joey Logano, in particular, lost his lead and shot at back-to-back All-Star victories when the field pitted for fresh tires during the yellow flag period. His visible disappointment reflected widespread frustration among competitors whose strategies were derailed by the unexpected decision.
Despite the controversy, North Wilkesboro’s resurrection continues to energize drivers and fans. Brad Keselowski and Alex Bowman have already voiced support for granting the venue a coveted points-paying race, demonstrating a groundswell of enthusiasm within the garage for the track’s full return to elite status.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Says No Room for Error in Points Race Return
Dale Earnhardt Jr., one of the leading proponents for the track’s preservation and comeback, urges that NASCAR refrain from implementing artificial cautions or deviating from standard procedures if a Cup Series points race is granted to North Wilkesboro. Earnhardt Jr. believes that the stakes are too high for experimentation during the track’s long-awaited return to hosting a full-fledged points event. He insists that the racing format must follow established Cup Series protocols to protect the credibility of the event and the track’s future on the schedule.
“I just think that if you’re going to take a Cup race to Wilkesboro, that you don’t take any risks or chances,”
Dale Jr. said.
“Let the race kind of go and be with the protocols we have in place in terms of stage caution and so forth, just to make sure you don’t screw up the very first points race back. It could work out, TJ, where if you didn’t throw the stage cautions, it could work out and be awesome.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt Jr. also acknowledges that more creative approaches could be considered in the future, but he recommends waiting until the track has proven itself as a reliable host before making bold changes. He cautions against taking unnecessary risks, stressing the efforts made over three decades to restore North Wilkesboro’s place on the national stage.
“Maybe that’s something you do down the road if you really get that confidence up, do it. But are you willing to take that risk on the first points race back for Wilkesboro? Wilkesboro tried for three decades to get back. Let’s not take any unnecessary risk with it,”
he added. —Dale Earnhardt Jr.
NASCAR Insiders Highlight Challenges Ahead
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. focuses on race-day integrity, insiders like Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi emphasize logistical challenges facing North Wilkesboro’s bid for a Cup Series date. Gluck highlights the difficulty of fitting the historic venue into the busy NASCAR calendar, noting that adding the race would mean removing another established event, and suitable openings are scarce.
In response to the suggestion that the spring Bristol race could be moved to make room for North Wilkesboro, Jordan Bianchi offers a sobering comparison. He underscores the reality that even with declining attendance, Bristol’s seating capacity continues to outpace what North Wilkesboro can accommodate, making fan access and amenities key considerations in scheduling decisions.
“What would you say spring Bristol was this year? A quarter full? A third full?”
Bianchi said.
“Even at a third-full, spring Bristol still seats more than this track. And so, it still has name recognition. It still is, it still has more hotels in the area, that kind of thing. It’s more fan accessible.”
—Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR Insider
Bianchi also points to the track’s limited corporate backing, despite its ongoing relationship with Food City. He notes that North Wilkesboro must expand its sponsor base to attract and sustain a regular Cup Series event, reinforcing that financial stability is crucial for a lasting return.
The Significance of the Decision for North Wilkesboro and NASCAR
North Wilkesboro’s campaign to secure a NASCAR Cup points race rests on a complex combination of race-quality considerations, logistical planning, and financial backing. The advice from Dale Earnhardt Jr. carries significant weight given his involvement in the track’s revival, reminding stakeholders that conservative decision-making is essential for a successful reintroduction. As the debate continues, the outcome will shape the venue’s long-term legacy and influence future Cup Series scheduling, as NASCAR, drivers, and sponsors determine whether North Wilkesboro is ready for its historic comeback.
