The North Wilkesboro Speedway will make its return to the NASCAR Cup Series schedule as a points-paying event in July 2026, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. advocating for this historic change. The move is part of NASCAR‘s new direction to boost fan engagement and revitalize classic venues, positioning Earnhardt Jr. and NASCAR leadership at the forefront of this significant update.
NASCAR Announces Points Race for North Wilkesboro Speedway
Ben Kennedy, serving as NASCAR‘s executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer, highlighted Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s vital role as an “advocate” in bringing the North Wilkesboro Cup back as a points event. Kennedy explained that strong demand from fans, particularly among younger demographics, drove the decision to restore North Wilkesboro Speedway‘s place on the Cup Series schedule. With a capacity of 25,000 and ownership under Speedway Motorsports, this North Carolina oval has a storied past in NASCAR.
The North Wilkesboro Speedway previously hosted the All-Star race for three years, generating considerable excitement and high attendance. Observing this positive response, discussions began among NASCAR officials about the possibility of elevating the event to a points race. Kennedy recently shared insights into this transition, emphasizing both fan input and Earnhardt Jr.’s consistent advocacy.
“We had about 70% of our fans, and four out of five 18-to-34-year-olds that asked for North Wilkesboro to move into a points event, Kennedy said. “So, we’re going to move that into July and TNT’s portion of the season with Dale [Earnhardt] Jr. in the booth, who I know has been a big advocate of turning North Wilkesboro into a points event. (We’re) excited to make that change for them.”
As a result, the North Wilkesboro Cup Series race is scheduled for July 19, 2026, becoming the 21st event of the season. The All-Star race previously held at the Speedway will relocate to Dover, while North Wilkesboro will now host a points-paying contest during the TNT broadcasting segment, with Earnhardt Jr. set to appear in the commentator’s booth.
Adapting Facilities to Support New Event Format
Kennedy also addressed potential logistical changes necessary for a successful 400-lap Cup Series event. Accommodating fans for an extended period presents unique challenges, especially regarding movement within the facility. He noted NASCAR is exploring infrastructure alternatives to improve access to and from the infield area for spectators and participants.
“It is a consideration that we’ve talked about. If it’s a 400-lap race, a few hours for people being in the infield will probably be a little bit too long. I think it’s probably difficult to go down (under the track with a tunnel), so we might look at a couple of different options to potentially have a bridge or something that gives people the ability to both leave the facility and come back into the infield,” Mr. Ben Kennedy further added.
These developments highlight NASCAR’s ongoing efforts led by Kennedy and supported by Earnhardt Jr. to ensure an improved race day experience for attendees at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Infrastructure upgrades are part of NASCAR’s broader plan to adapt historic venues for modern competition needs.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Enthusiasm for North Wilkesboro’s Future
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been a visible supporter of returning sanctioned, points-paying racing to North Wilkesboro. Earlier this month, he teased the community with suggestions of what the new event could mean for both fans and his own broadcasting career. Earnhardt Jr. expressed his excitement at being directly involved, both on air and as an advocate for the track’s return to prominence.
“I think it would be badass for Wilkesboro to be a points race in the summer and I would get to broadcast it…maybe in the TNT portion of the year,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in the “Ask Jr.” Podcast.
Known for his competitive legacy, Dale Earnhardt Jr. competed in the NASCAR Cup Series for 19 years, making 631 starts and collecting 26 wins, 15 poles, and 260 top-ten finishes. Beyond his driving achievements, he is the co-owner of JR Motorsports, contributing to NASCAR as a team leader and broadcaster. Earnhardt Jr.’s continued involvement with North Wilkesboro brings further attention and credibility to this renewed event.
What’s Ahead for North Wilkesboro Speedway and the Cup Series
The ongoing collaboration between key figures such as Ben Kennedy, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and organizations like Speedway Motorsports and TNT aims to make the July 2026 Cup race a pivotal moment in NASCAR’s schedule. With infrastructure improvements under discussion and enthusiastic support from leading voices in the sport, North Wilkesboro’s return as a points race marks a milestone in its long history. The venue‘s enhanced role in the series is set to generate excitement for fans and participants, potentially setting a precedent for further investment in historic NASCAR tracks.
