Dale Earnhardt Jr & Fans Left Demanding Concrete Assurances After NASCAR’s Verdict on North Wilkesboro’s Future

North Wilkesboro Speedway apparently reached its demise in 1996. After a few grassroots events in 2010 and 2011, weeds and dust invaded the facility. However, under the blessings of Dale Earnhardt Jr and other NASCAR veterans, the historic facility lit up once again in 2023. Roaring cheers from the fans stands testified to its popularity among racing fanatics.

Now, ahead of another grand hosting of the non-points All-Star Race at the revived race track, NASCAR dropped a news flash. It highlights the 0.625-mile track’s continued relevance. However, Earnhardt Jr and fans hoped to see a little more effort to uphold the track.

All-Star Race to continue for next year, but Dale Earnhardt Jr is not satisfied

Even before the All-Star Race hit the tracks this season, NASCAR announced its 2025 program. The 200-lap race will unfold once again on the hallowed track of North Wilkesboro Speedway next year. This would mark the third time the NASCAR Cup Series headed to the iconic race track.

When Dale Earnhardt Jr set afoot operations for breathing life into the track in 2019, he had the full support of Marcus Smith. The Speedway Motorsports Inc. CEO foresaw a bright future for NWS: “This place is going to have racing on the calendar in the very near future.”

Smith also hinted at hosting points races at North Wilkesboro in 2023, when the first All-Star Race was held. “I do think that there’s definitely a place in the NASCAR world for North Wilkesboro Speedway, and whether it’s a special event like All-Star, maybe one day it’s a points event, I don’t know.”

And Dale Earnhardt Jr is crossing his fingers for exactly such a thing to happen. When NASCAR updated the 2025 NWS schedule, he was gleeful yet with a little glimmer of hope. “Great news! Hoping for a points event in the future but thankful Nascar continues to support this facility.”

Built in 1949, the race track had tight turns which made for exciting finishes and heightened fan approval. Many legendary race car drivers have clinched wins at the track. 200-time Cup winner Richard Petty stands at the top of the list, with 15 wins on the track. He is followed by three-time Cup champion Darrell Waltrip with 10 wins.

Given North Wilkesboro’s glittering history of race wins, Dale Earnhardt Jr is not alone in demanding the return of points races to the track.

Points races drum up the interest of NASCAR fans

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Although North Wilkesboro Speedway shut down in 1996, the memories are still fresh. Diehard NASCAR fans fondly remember the iconic North Carolina track where veterans like Dale Earnhardt and Cale Yarborough ran their race cars. Echoing Dale Earnhardt Jr’s sentiments, one fan said: “That awesome but I think it should host a points race either in the regular season or the playoffs.” Another fan chimed in: “#PointsRace. It’s time 🤷🏾‍♂️.”

This year’s All-Star Race also has a unique addition. Featuring multiple tire compounds, race teams will get to choose between a prime tire and a high-wear option tire. Throw in a points race and more horsepower, and it will be a match made in heaven. One fan pointed this out: “High horsepower+high tire wear+prime time points race=perfection.” Another fan highlighted horsepower: “A points event will only work with more HP.”

Even after a 28-year period of abandonment, North Wilkesboro is easily winning over the hearts of Dale Earnhradt Jr and fans alike. We cannot wait to see races beyond the All-Star Race flag off at this track!