Earlier today, a massive bombshell dropped when NASCAR announced the return of the North Wilkesboro Speedway. In other words, Dale Earnhardt Jr’s efforts will finally see fruition. As it turns out, the recently restored Speedway will play host to the NASCAR All-Star race in 2023. Naturally, this had so many people excited and happy to see a classic NASCAR venue return.
Just recently, the track played host to a Late Model race, one in which Dale Earnhardt Jr competed.
NEWS: North Wilkesboro Speedway to host 2023 NASCAR All Star Race, sources tell @TheAthletic. https://t.co/gfLN8a9Src
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) September 7, 2022
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Needless to say, it was a resounding success among the fans and the racing community, and NASCAR evidently noticed.
What were the NASCAR fans so concerned about?
However, amid all the praise, there were some voices who aired a few concerns about the news. According to many, the biggest concern is the infrastructure at the iconic venue. Some revealed that it was very difficult for people to get to the track itself, and that included Dale Jr. So it is possible that a lot of money will be wasted in repairing the roads and the surrounding area. Overall, the critics believe that the entire move is ‘dumb’ and that NASCAR should not regress backward.
How does this make sense? No infrastructure to support a Cup race there. It was a nightmare getting to the track when @DaleJr was racing there. They’ll have to dump millions into the roads and the area around the track. Nuts.
— Rusty Shackleford (@R_Shackle4D) September 7, 2022
Very unfortunate. TMS will be down to only one race. I wonder if SMS is going to renew the lease with Ft. Worth. Strange that they are spending so much on the new bar.
— BBrune (@BBrune1) September 8, 2022
🤦♂️ https://t.co/PPOvGevjNn pic.twitter.com/PHjKobHUyt
— AP (@APerrella96) September 8, 2022
I love this but I fear it's a year too early. The absolute worst thing would be for this to be a disaster because they aren't ready for it https://t.co/BGONdK032J
— Cody Hagan (@CodyHagan94) September 8, 2022
Others fear that although they love the move, it is far too early for the track to make its NASCAR comeback, especially considering that it has just hosted one race, and NASCAR is making its decision based on that single race. A few people are even concerned that people may end up not liking the race because it is a short track. This is because there have been many critics about the Next Gen cars racing on short tracks.
Just for everyone to end up bitching about how the new cars ruined short track racing.. 🤦 https://t.co/xhsHiwhzMm
— Shawn (@RvB_Steezy018) September 7, 2022
No way this is true. This is worse than Cup at Kentucky. The infrastructure isn’t there to make this track an all-star race. https://t.co/gH6bvDDR7l
— Rusty Shackleford (@R_Shackle4D) September 7, 2022
Not really a fan of this. We saw how the clash was and if you got out front you’re gonna win. Plus we already have 17 winners this year, plus potential new winners next year before the all star race. You really think 20 cars will race will on that track? I doubt it https://t.co/LHBi1VxAFi
— 𝙅𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙙 📦 Kansas Week (@DennyHamlinSZN) September 7, 2022
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This entire move is dumb. Why do industry leaders continue to attempt to go back to a time with fewer jobs, resources, and money in the series? Going to a venue type that is among the least-watched on TV (ceteris paribus) doesn't help things, either. https://t.co/jrUMz17Dg1
— A. S. Maness (@ASManess) September 8, 2022
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Some believe that it could end up like how the Clash at the LA Coliseum was. In other words, while this may look good on paper, they are worried about how the race will pan out in practicality. On the bright side, the 2023 NASCAR All-Star race is still a long way away. So this gives the sport plenty of time to improve the cars and the quality of racing on short tracks.
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