Kyle Petty warns NASCAR about North Wilkesboro points race, expressing concern that awarding Cup Series points at North Wilkesboro Speedway might undermine the special atmosphere that has surrounded recent All-Star Races at the historic track. The debate comes as other voices, such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., advocate for giving the venue an official points-paying event, raising questions about the track’s future role in the NASCAR Cup schedule.
Petty’s Caution Over Changing North Wilkesboro’s All-Star Status
During the latest episode of Fast Talk on the Performance Racing Network, Kyle Petty outlined his reservations about making North Wilkesboro Speedway the site of a points-paying NASCAR Cup race. He argued that such a move could strip away what makes the track a standout on the NASCAR circuit. Recent All-Star Races at North Wilkesboro have been praised for their competitive drama and the way they have captured fans’ attention, and Petty believes much of that hinges on the event’s one-off, non-points nature.
Petty recalled how the All-Star Race has provided NASCAR the opportunity to trial various rules packages and innovative ideas. These experiments often receive strong reactions, and sometimes become new standards across the sport. However, Petty warned that familiarity breeds indifference, and what is initially exciting can quickly become routine once the competitive garage area figures out new strategies. He remarked,
“How many things have we experimented, rules packages and other things, during the All-Star race that everybody raved about, that instantly became mainstream (in regular competition), that instantly we started to complain about because those guys in the garage area figured out a way around the rules,”
—Kyle Petty, NASCAR Analyst.
Drawing a personal comparison, Petty added insight from his upbringing to emphasize his point:
“My point is, it’s like how my mom would always say. It’s like chocolate: if I give it to you all the time, it’s not special. Wilkesboro is special because it means something right now.”
—Kyle Petty, NASCAR Analyst.
He then questioned whether making North Wilkesboro a points event would maintain its appeal and significance for fans. Petty stated,
“If it’s just another race on a 36-race schedule, does it mean anything? Does it hold that excitement for the fans?”
—Kyle Petty, NASCAR Analyst.
Petty acknowledged that some fans might remain enthusiastic, as has occurred with Charlotte, the former long-time All-Star Race venue, but suggested others could lose interest if North Wilkesboro is no longer unique. The All-Star event at this track has gained recognition for its high level of competition and fan engagement, which Petty attributes to its limited spot on the schedule. For Petty and like-minded critics, a change could diminish the “Wilkesboro special” experience.
Concerns Over Cup Schedule and Venue Changes
Transforming North Wilkesboro into a regular points-paying Cup event would raise significant logistical issues for NASCAR. Such a decision would likely force the sanctioning body to relocate the All-Star Race to a new venue, as maintaining the current 36-race schedule would require dropping another event elsewhere. While there have been discussions about a 38-race calendar, expansion appears unlikely at this time, meaning hard choices would have to be made and other traditions could be disrupted.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Commitment to Reviving North Wilkesboro
Dale Earnhardt Jr. stands on the opposite side of the debate, championing North Wilkesboro’s suitability for a full NASCAR points race. As a catalyst for the track’s restoration, Earnhardt has invested in bringing Cup action back, but he emphasizes caution in how the initial race is handled to preserve its impact.
“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, where if you didn’t throw the stage cautions, and be awesome.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Racing Advocate.
While Earnhardt supports room for experimentation in the future, he suggests restraint for the track’s inaugural points event. He explained,
“Maybe that’s something you do down the road if you really get that confidence up, do it,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Racing Advocate.
He also issued a warning about the risks of embracing change too swiftly for such a historic venue:
“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.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Racing Advocate.
The Road Ahead for North Wilkesboro and the All-Star Race
Preserving the allure that has made North Wilkesboro Speedway stand out in recent years may require NASCAR officials to consider Petty’s concerns carefully. The decision about whether to include the historic oval as a points-paying destination involves balancing tradition, fan excitement, and the broader impact on the Cup Series schedule. While Earnhardt and other advocates see potential for growth, Petty’s warning serves as a reminder that uniqueness can be lost if special events become too common. The outcome will likely help define NASCAR’s approach to legacy tracks and special events for years to come.
