Dale Earnhardt Jr. is urging NASCAR officials to replace the long-standing Martinsville Xfinity Series race with a point-awarding event at North Wilkesboro Speedway, intensifying his campaign as he considers this venue essential for the future of the series. Earnhardt’s impassioned plea comes at a critical time, as North Wilkesboro has already secured a spot hosting the All-Star race since 2024, with the racing community weighing the track’s role in upcoming points races.
The movement led by Earnhardt Jr., Hall of Fame NASCAR driver and co-owner of JR Motorsports, centers on his belief that North Wilkesboro represents the best short track for the Next-Gen era and that Xfinity Series drivers and fans deserve the excitement this historical venue offers. This push not only echoes his longstanding advocacy for the track but also highlights the dissatisfaction and emotional toll caused by recent Martinsville races.
Earnhardt’s Personal Connection to North Wilkesboro
Having been a leading proponent of North Wilkesboro’s resurgence on the NASCAR calendar, Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes the next logical step is bringing the Xfinity Series to this storied location for a competitive, points-paying event. Earnhardt, a two-time champion in the series and current co-owner of JR Motorsports, has persistently campaigned for North Wilkesboro’s inclusion in the Xfinity schedule.
“There’s been a lot of conversation about the Xfinity Series racing at North Wilkesboro. There’s not much to that. If they put a race there, I’ll run it. I said that years ago, I said that when Wilkesboro came back. I said it every year. That’s not a new bit of information.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., via Dale Jr. Download
His passion for North Wilkesboro is not new; Earnhardt has frequently stressed his commitment to racing there and offering opportunities to emerging talent, reflecting his broader concern for the direction and spirit of the sport.
Martinsville’s Troubles: Wrecks, Frustration, and Lost Confidence
Earnhardt’s advocacy goes hand-in-hand with his deep disappointment over the quality of racing at Martinsville. Despite the track’s reputation and the famous grandfather clock trophy, Earnhardt is clear in his disillusionment, particularly with the high number of wrecks and the toll these races take on teams.
“I’d rather have an Xfinity race there than Martinsville. That s**t we’re doing at Martinsville is for the birds. I don’t love taking my cars over there and watching them get destroyed and watching our drivers destroy each other. So, I’d love them to not go to Martinsville and go to Wilkesboro. That’d be better.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
He attributes his stance to years of witnessing what he called “wreck fests” at Martinsville, noting the damage inflicted on both vehicles and drivers, as well as the financial costs to teams like his own. His words reveal a sense of helplessness and anguish, as repeated incidents have taken a visible emotional and practical toll on his competitive outlook.
Loss of Faith in Martinsville Among Fans and Drivers
The “grandfather clock” may still represent an important milestone in the eyes of many, yet for Earnhardt, Martinsville’s glory days for the Xfinity Series appear to be behind it. He pointed out the growing disconnect between fans and the Martinsville races, arguing the excitement and quality of racing have steadily declined.
“I have zero confidence that our Xfinity drivers can have a good, entertaining race at Martinsville. Maybe there was one and I’ve just forgotten because of so much destruction has happened. It’s washed it from my memory.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
This lack of faith is significant coming from a driver of his stature and history. While Cup and Truck Series races may still deliver competitive action at Martinsville, Earnhardt argues that Xfinity Series fans deserve more than repetitive crashes and diminishing returns. His call to action is emotionally charged, pressing NASCAR to rethink its stance for the benefit of the community and its future athletes.
Potential Impact of a Move to North Wilkesboro
The endorsement for a North Wilkesboro Xfinity Series race has found traction beyond Earnhardt Jr., resonating with current Cup garage members and others in the racing world who see it as a chance to revitalize the schedule and fan interest. The track’s successful run as an All-Star race destination since its return has helped build confidence in its ability to stage marquee events, and many now question how long NASCAR will resist making a broader change.
By advocating to shift Xfinity Series races from Martinsville to North Wilkesboro, Earnhardt not only hopes to honor the historical significance of the latter, but also seeks to inspire a new chapter for young drivers and teams. The proposal reflects mounting pressure on NASCAR leadership to acknowledge the shortcomings at Martinsville and give North Wilkesboro a chance to be the home of meaningful, memorable competitions with fewer destructive outcomes and more engaging racing.
The broader racing community, including notable figures like angel reese and brock purdy who have fueled trending discussions around sporting fairness and athlete well-being, are attuned to high-impact changes in each discipline. As this debate gains momentum, all eyes are on NASCAR to see how it addresses one of the most emotionally charged and high-profile scheduling disputes shaping the series today.
