Dale Earnhardt Jr. drew attention with his straightforward Dale Earnhardt Jr. All-Star race reaction to news that Dover may replace North Wilkesboro Speedway for NASCAR’s All-Star showcase, just as the latest developments in the sport stir discussion about ideal track choices and the risk of changes for storied venues. The longtime advocate for North Wilkesboro’s return, Earnhardt Jr. has played a major role in the historic speedway’s restoration and recent resurgence.
Concerns Mount Over Moving NASCAR’s All-Star Race to Dover
The proposal to move the All-Star race to Dover has prompted skepticism among drivers and fans, given the track’s lack of night race lighting and its reputation for making overtaking difficult. Traditionally, the All-Star race is contested after sunset, but Dover does not have the necessary lighting to host a night event, which is a break from recent tradition. Additionally, NASCAR’s current Next Gen cars have made defending a lead easier, particularly on one-mile tracks like Dover, where passing can already be challenging.
Racing at Dover often becomes a single-lane affair, especially early in the run when fresh tires provide maximum grip. Frontrunners can use their rear-view cameras to block trailing cars, further limiting passing opportunities. This was evident during this year’s Dover race, where Chase Elliott led a dominant 238 laps from pole position, highlighting how challenging it can be for competitors to overtake at the concrete oval.
The announcement of the possible venue change was first reported by NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck, which quickly drew a reaction from Earnhardt Jr. on social media. Earnhardt Jr., who was instrumental in helping North Wilkesboro return to the Cup Series calendar after a 27-year hiatus—including spearheading facility renovations—remains closely tied to the track’s fate. His CARS Tour Series, which he co-owns, also celebrated its first nationally televised race there this year.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Advises Caution as North Wilkesboro Awaits Points Race Decision
Despite speculation over the All-Star event moving venues, there is optimism for North Wilkesboro Speedway’s long-term role. The historic 0.625-mile short track could land a points-paying race, a milestone after its revival for special events in 2023. Earnhardt Jr. recently addressed the risk of introducing new formats or rules for a first-time points race at North Wilkesboro, emphasizing the importance of stability over experimentation at such a pivotal moment for the track.
Honestly, man, I hate to risk that not working for your first points race at Wilkesboro.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
“I just think that if you’re going to take a Cup race to Wilkesboro that you don’t take any risks or chances. 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…Wilkesboro tried for three decades to get back. It’s back, let’s not take any unnecessary risks with it,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
His remarks come after this year’s All-Star race at North Wilkesboro, which featured a novel element known as the promoter’s caution. The rule allowed the event promoter to call a caution flag at their discretion, bunching up the field to increase competitive drama late in the event. The application of this rule directly impacted the outcome, as Joey Logano, who had been leading late, lost his advantage to Christopher Bell and missed out on the race’s $1 million prize.
Looking Ahead: What the Venue Decision Means for NASCAR and Fans
The debate over the All-Star race’s future site highlights broader questions about balancing innovation with tradition in NASCAR. While North Wilkesboro’s supporters, led by Dale Earnhardt Jr., want to safeguard its resurgence, the shifting venue conversation underscores the complexities of scheduling for a modern Cup Series. As the sanctioning body weighs Dover’s candidacy and North Wilkesboro’s potential for a points event, each move is set to shape the sport’s direction, the fate of storied tracks, and the excitement experienced by fans and drivers alike.
