via Getty
AVONDALE, AZ – JANUARY 31: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. addresses the media during NASCAR testing at Phoenix International Raceway on January 31, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
via Getty
AVONDALE, AZ – JANUARY 31: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. addresses the media during NASCAR testing at Phoenix International Raceway on January 31, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
For a while, the North Wilkesboro Speedway has been teasing a massive announcement. Naturally, several NASCAR fans have been anxiously waiting to find out what it is, and speculating as well. Now, all speculation can be laid to rest, and the actual news will delight fans. Among the happy fans are former NASCAR drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr and Mark Martin.
As it happens, the track is being revitalized to welcome racing once again. Of course, the speedway won’t return to the NASCAR arena just yet. Instead, Speedway Motorsports is in charge of bringing back grassroots racing to the .625-mile short track. The best part is that racing could return as early as August or even October this year.
It’s going to be exciting. @savethespeedway https://t.co/tpyBQODsXq
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) April 16, 2022
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Awesome news about North Wilkesboro coming back to life. It’ll be great to catch some of the action there this fall. Do we tailgate the infield like old times? I can’t wait to discuss it on Tuesday with @MikeDavis88 and the @DirtyMoMedia family. #DJD #AskJr
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 16, 2022
What plans are in place for the track and will it return to NASCAR?
According to officials in a press conference at the Bristol Motor Speedway, the first event will be called Racetrack Revival. For the uninitiated, this event is expected to be a multi-week grassroots racing event. It will not be limited to one series, but host multiple series on the asphalt.
IF NORTH WILKESBORO COMES BACK: https://t.co/ORV28T9KM6 pic.twitter.com/xKCA3lHyL3
— dmurway1 (@dmurway1) April 16, 2022
Wilkes County has arrived..
3 p.m. pic.twitter.com/lpWOeB0IBI
— Save The Speedway (@savethespeedway) April 16, 2022
Later on in October, the North Wilkesboro Speedway will take a page out of Bristol Motor Speedway’s book. To be precise, the track will transform into a dirt track, just in time for the next leg of the Racetrack Revival. Once that concludes, the track will be repaved, before the cycle repeats once again. Admittedly, there were a few fans who were not too fond of having to potentially watch a dirt race.
READ MORE: How Dale Earnhardt Jr Was Instrumental in Revamping the North Wilkesboro Speedway
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Pleasenodirtpleasenotdirtpleasenotdirtpleasenotdirtpleasenotdirtpleasenotdirtpleasenotdirtpleasenotdirtpleasenotdirtpleasenotdirtpleasenotdirt
— Henry Kelleher (@HenryKelleher1) April 16, 2022
Let’s gooooo!
— Racetrack Revival (@RTRevival) April 16, 2022
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One thing is for sure, so many people are excited to see the return of such an iconic speedway. It first made its NASCAR Cup debut all the way back in 1949, with Bob Flock winning. Since then, it has been a mainstay on the calendar, all the way until Jeff Gordon won the last ever race. It is also worth mentioning that the legendary Richard Petty has the most wins at the venue, boasting 15 triumphs.
