NASCAR has made waves by announcing its 2026 schedule featuring the highly anticipated return of North Wilkesboro Speedway for a Cup Series points race, a moment Dale Earnhardt Jr says is monumental for the sport and its fans. The Dale Earnhardt Jr North Wilkesboro comeback is now set, making July 19, 2026, an historic date for both NASCAR and the Wilkes County community.
NASCAR’s 2026 Slate Ushers in New Traditions and Returns
The release of the 2026 NASCAR schedule has provided a jolt of excitement for racing fans, who are reacting enthusiastically to several bold moves. Among the highlights, a groundbreaking street race at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego will make history as the first event staged on an active military base for NASCAR’s three top series—Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks—scheduled in June for the Navy‘s 250th anniversary. The reintroduction of Chicagoland Speedway will see Cup cars back on its 1.5-mile oval in early July, filling the gap left by the paused Chicago Street Race.
The All-Star Race is embarking on a change of scenery, leaving North Wilkesboro and heading to Dover‘s Monster Mile, which will now host the event in daylight due to lack of track lighting. Homestead-Miami Speedway is reclaiming the championship finale for the Cup Series, marking its first time as the host since 2019. Meanwhile, Watkins Glen is shifting to Mother’s Day weekend—a significant departure from its traditional August placement.
However, it is North Wilkesboro’s addition as host of a points-paying Cup Series race that’s generating the most buzz. Dale Earnhardt Jr, a vocal champion for the track’s revival, has openly celebrated the achievement and its resonance within NASCAR’s history.
Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Emotional Response to the North Wilkesboro Milestone
Dale Earnhardt Jr, known for his deep connection to NASCAR heritage, expressed his elation on social media following the official schedule release. This marks North Wilkesboro’s first Cup Series points race since 1996, ending a 30-year drought and elevating the track once again from near abandonment. In his own words:
“The big news for me on the 2026 @NASCAR schedule is @NWBSpeedway getting a points race! I can’t wait to call 400 laps of night racing there on July 19. It’s massive for the surrounding community, and every fan of NASCAR is going to feel like a winner next July.” — Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 20, 2025
This direct quote showcases the blend of excitement and pride Dale Jr feels, highlighting the collective thrill shared by the broader NASCAR community. His advocacy for North Wilkesboro has been pivotal: in 2019, he personally helped clear overgrown weeds from the deserted track and initiated detailed scans for iRacing, sparking the venue’s digital and real-world resurgence. After years of advocacy and $18 million in state funding, the racetrack has transformed into a lively center once again, staging All-Star events between 2023 and 2025 and now securing a full-fledged championship event.
The Long Road Back: Grassroots Effort and Community Revival
The successful push to bring back the North Wilkesboro Speedway came largely from passionate fans and influential leaders within the sport. According to NASCAR executive Ben Kennedy, a remarkable 70% of fans—especially younger ones—vocally advocated for a Cup points event at the historic site. This public fervor prompted NASCAR to shift its All-Star Race away and grant North Wilkesboro a points race, honoring both grassroots momentum and the deep legacy of the track.
Dale Earnhardt Jr’s involvement didn’t stop at restoration. Competing in CARS Tour races there in 2022 and 2023, he finished third in a tightly contested showdown, which drew sell-out crowds reminiscent of the sport’s golden era. His determination, along with a committed restoration process supported by the state and local partners, turned the once derelict property into a thriving showcase for NASCAR’s roots. The facility now stands as both a fan destination and a symbol of revival, reflecting the energy of legends like Richard Petty, the late Dale Earnhardt Sr., and a new generation of racing stars.
The return of North Wilkesboro goes beyond nostalgia. An economic impact study from 2023 found that hosting the All-Star Race generated nearly $29 million directly for Wilkes County, with an overall impact approaching $50 million. Area businesses including hotels, restaurants, and shops all reaped measurable economic rewards. With a championship points race replacing the All-Star exhibition, those numbers are expected to climb, further benefiting the local community.
Why the Comeback Resonates With the NASCAR Community
For fans, competitors, and community members alike, the return of North Wilkesboro as a Cup Series venue is about more than racing. It’s a convergence of tradition and modern excitement, where legacy meets opportunity. When 400 laps are run under the lights in July, the echoes of NASCAR legends will blend with the anticipation of contemporary challengers in a setting true to the sport’s roots—an atmosphere rich with history, moonshine lore, and unforgettable moments.
This event holds extra significance as Dale Earnhardt Jr is slated to call the race as broadcaster, serving as the storyteller who connects past, present, and future. The energetic pulse of the crowd, the high stakes of a championship points battle, and the revival of a cherished arena will culminate in a night sure to deliver vivid memories for years to come.
Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Personal Life: A Love for Pets and Loyalty
Off the track, Dale Earnhardt Jr shows a tender side that extends to his many pets, a lifelong passion rooted in his childhood. His collection of animal companions has included Domino, a yellow Labrador; Rocket the Irish setter; Killer, a boxer; and several cats such as Buddy, Cuz, Dude, and Tux. Even his hamsters received thoughtful names, paying homage to soap opera characters.
In recent years with his wife, Amy, Dale Jr has cared for two dogs—Gus, an Irish setter, and Junebug, a Pomeranian—who often joined the family at races and sparked joy upon homecoming. In March, he gave an update about Junebug’s health struggles after the dog suffered a stroke but took comfort in the signs of recovery. On his podcast, Dale Jr discussed Buddy, recalling the adventures he shared with his bus driver Shane, and the custom bus accommodations that turned Buddy into a fixture at the racetrack for years. After a diabetes diagnosis sidelined Buddy from travel, he embraced the role of race shop cat, battling rodents and building his legend among the crew. Tux, another feline companion, also played his part by watching over the house.
These anecdotes underscore Dale Jr’s loyalty and enthusiasm, not just for racing but for those—human or animal—who share in his journey. It’s a spirit that flows through his work to restore North Wilkesboro, reflecting a broader appreciation for history, friendship, and community.
The Enduring Impact and What Lies Ahead for NASCAR
The return of a Cup Series points race to North Wilkesboro Speedway stands out as a defining development in recent NASCAR history. As fans count down to July 19, the region readies for economic gains, while the racing world eagerly awaits a spectacle that bridges eras. Dale Earnhardt Jr’s unwavering dedication shines as proof that tradition, when combined with fan passion and institutional vision, can spark powerful revival. At North Wilkesboro, the legacy of NASCAR feels alive once more, setting the tone for new stories and unforgettable nights in motorsports.
