The historic North Wilkesboro Speedway recently made a comeback by hosting NASCAR competitions for the first time since 1996. The 0.625-mile short track successfully held a Truck series race and the NASCAR All-Star Race, marking a significant moment for racing enthusiasts. However, despite the successful event, concerns about the track’s surface and future viability have arisen.

Denny Hamlin Shares His Thoughts on Historic North Wilkesboro Track

Denny Hamlin, known for his careful tire management during races, expressed concerns about the track’s surface. In a recent episode of his podcast, ‘Actions Detrimental’, he talked about his observations and the conversation he had with fellow driver Tyler Reddick, on how the recent patchwork on the track had significantly altered its characteristics.

He said, “I talked to Tyler Reddick a little bit and kind of looked through his notes from testing and before they had all those patches, tire fall off was quite a bit more than what we had during the race because that strip around the very bottom of the racetrack was so gripy that you had to be in it and when we look at where does this race track go in the future, I’m probably an advocate of it needs to be repaved but I think we could do a really good paving job to that place”

Hamlin acknowledged the need for repaving but highlighted the importance of ensuring the new surface promotes tire wear and does not compromise the racing experience.

He further added, “I mentioned on Twitter, I think you can do some things with the pavement that could really really make it aggregate, really put a lot of rocks in the surface to make it wear out tires and still have a good new surface. I mean we don’t want to get into a place where it rains and the next thing you know we’ve got, I mean they couldn’t even have jet driers out there”

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While Hamlin’s comments may have raised eyebrows, they reflect the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of North Wilkesboro Speedway. The track’s successful return and the enthusiastic response from fans and participants have sparked hopes for its inclusion in the 2024 NASCAR schedules. Marcus Smith, president of Speedway Motorsports, expressed his own considerations regarding the track’s place in the company’s future plans. The positive atmosphere and smooth organization of events at North Wilkesboro have undoubtedly left an impression on Smith and his team.

Will North Wilkesboro Speedway Make A Return in 2024?

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The decisions made regarding the track’s future extend beyond the racing industry. The revival of North Wilkesboro Speedway has brought economic benefits to the surrounding area. The first major race weekend proceeded flawlessly, with efficient traffic management and parking arrangements. The collaboration between track and state officials ensured a smooth experience for attendees. This successful endeavor has raised expectations and ignited a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.

The impact on the local community and businesses cannot be overlooked, adding further weight to the importance of North Wilkesboro Speedway’s future.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a prominent figure in the racing world, has been a strong proponent of resurrecting North Wilkesboro Speedway. Despite millions being invested in upgrades, the track surface remains the same since its last paving in 1981. Earnhardt recognizes the limitations of the current surface and acknowledges that repaving is essential if NASCAR wants to return to North Wilkesboro next year.

He emphasized the need for a smooth and problem-free racing surface. He had said, “So one little problem, one car going through, has any kind of issue from a rock going through the radiator or whatever, you know. You can’t have that going on…so it’s a big risk they are taking now, with the surface for this Sunday.” Earnhardt’s concerns stem from a desire to avoid any issues that may compromise the racing experience or cause damage to vehicles.

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While the revival of North Wilkesboro Speedway has rekindled the passion for this iconic race track, it also brings forth challenges and decisions that must be carefully weighed. The successful return of NASCAR events to the track has reignited hopes for its place in future racing schedules. As stakeholders contemplate the path forward, it is evident that the future of North Wilkesboro Speedway lies in the balance between preserving its historic significance and meeting the demands of modern racing standards.