“Supposed To Be Happy About This?” – SMI’s Final Scalpel on North Wilkesboro’s New Chapter Divides Racing Community

When Dale Earnhardt Jr crossed the threshold of North Wilkesboro Speedway on a chilly December morning in 2019, he cast his gaze upon the weathered circuit and doubted it would ever reverberate with the roar of a NASCAR event again. Nature had reclaimed the once-thriving asphalt, with weeds defiantly sprouting through its fractures. The grandstands, once a sea of color and joys, now bore the somber hue of rust and neglect. Detritus of metal, wood, and plastic lay strewn like forgotten memories, while the press box, battered by the elements, shed its paint like old skin. Bereft of plumbing and electricity, the speedway was a ghost of its former glory.

Yet, within the span of less than four years, an air of anticipation surrounds North Wilkesboro Speedway as it gears up to host the esteemed NASCAR All-Star race in 2024. The wheel of changes with regard to the track has begun to turn, sparking a mix of emotions among the racing community. Some fans rally behind NASCAR’s initiative, embracing the importance of a storied venue. Others find themselves grappling with the changes, their nostalgia-tinged with unease. As the debate continues, one thing remains certain: the speedway is poised to write a new chapter in its storied history.

NASCAR gives new life to the venerable North Wilkesboro Speedway

Once a bustling hub that hosted two Cup Series races annually and was the backdrop for 15 of Richard Petty’s triumphs, the North Wilkesboro Speedway languished in abandonment for 27 years as NASCAR shifted its gaze to larger markets, transforming into an eerie, silent relic of the past. Yet, in just over a year, the speedway has undergone a remarkable transition from a forgotten monument of motorsport to a state-of-the-art facility that retains its classic charm.

The seeds of revival were sown years earlier when Dale Earnhardt Jr. persuaded iRacing, the online racing simulation, to digitally preserve the track within its virtual world. Earnhardt, along with a dedicated crew of enthusiasts and with the support and approval of the track’s stewards, Speedway Motorsports, dedicated several days to clearing the track surface for the digital scanning process.

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The virtual incarnation of North Wilkesboro Speedway launched on iRacing, coinciding serendipitously with the onset of the 2020 pandemic, which necessitated the pause of live racing events. NASCAR and Fox Sports pivoted, featuring the speedway in a series of online races that stood in for the suspended real-world fixtures. The track soared in popularity on iRacing- a status it maintains to this day.

Come May, the air was abuzz with the announcement that North Wilkesboro Speedway would play host to the NASCAR All-Star race in 2024. Shortly afterward, the speedway was spotlighted once more as it secured its place on NASCAR’s 2024 schedule, marking a return to the historic track owned by Speedway Motorsports for the second year running.

However, a recent update has stirred the waters of nostalgia. In a tweet from the official North Wilkesboro Speedway account proclaiming, “IT’S HAPPENING! We are resurfacing the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. 👀”, it was revealed that the track is being reconditioned for the approaching races. This renovation, though, has met with mixed reactions as some fans express discontent over the changes being made to the beloved speedway.

The announcement of North Wilkesboro Speedway’s resurrection has sent waves of excitement among the fans

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From its heyday to its hibernation, the speedway has witnessed the ebbs and flows of the racing world. Since NASCAR’s engines roared to life in 1958, many tracks have come and gone, each with its own story. Yet, the decision to revive North Wilkesboro Speedway after 27 years has sparked a gleam in the eyes of NASCAR enthusiasts.

The refurbishment of the track’s surface, however, is stirring a pot of mixed emotions. The old speedway held a sacred place in the hearts of many, and its alteration has left some fans wistful for the past. One fan, resonating with the spirit of preservation, expressed, “I understand why but it would be nice to keep the original surface!” Others grapple with their sentiments, admitting, “Mixed feelings, but it needed to be done” and lamenting, “Well, sh*t. I loved the old asphalt. It gave the old place character.”

In a lighthearted plea, a fan reached out to NASCAR with a unique request: “Can you mail me a chunk of the old surface? 😁” envisioning a piece of the storied tarmac gracing his living room. Another optimistically suggested, “I hope the old surface is going to the fans. Such a great moment.”

On the flip side, some fans are less than thrilled, questioning, “Were supposed to be happy about this?” Concerns about the track’s impact on the race experience also emerged, with one fan noting, “I hate you have to resurface the track. I heard it can take away from the way the cars handle which will take away from the best racing there was.”

One resolute fan declared a hiatus, stating, “Now I know NOT to make any plans to go there at least within the next 3 years 😒,” while another bluntly dismissed the site as “Place is a dump.”

The resurfacing of this legendary track is clearly a topic of contention. What are your thoughts on this iconic venue’s latest chapter? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below.

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