This week, the spotlight shines on North Wilkesboro Speedway ahead of the All-Star race. Despite thorough renovations, NASCAR decided to retain the original track surface. This move was to make sure to retain and preserve the track’s historicity, having last hosted a Cup Series race in 1996.

The comprehensive refurbishment of the North Wilkesboro Speedway incurred expenses upwards of $20 million. To finance this ambitious endeavor, a sum of $22 million was gathered through various grants. The American Rescue Plan contributed a substantial $18 million to this fund, while an additional $4 million was received from state grants, as reported by Fox Sports.

Recently, Chase Elliott commented on the track’s condition. Having clinched third place in the ASA Super Late Model race, Elliott provided intriguing insights in just four words on the challenges surrounding the track surface.

Chase Elliott shares his view on the track condition

In a chat shared by veteran journalist Bob Pockrass on Twitter, Elliott mentioned, “It’s definitely beat up. Even tonight a lot of the sealers come up off the track and things and those cars are a lot heavier.

“I think it will hold up… We will see. it is part of the fun right?”

Despite the challenging condition of the track surface, Elliott maintains an unwavering belief that racing there would be immensely enjoyable. His perspective is born from an appreciation for the inherent unpredictability that such a unique track condition can bring.

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The usual strategies may not hold, and the drivers will need to employ both intuition and a heightened sense of awareness in navigating the nuances of the circuit.

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North Wilkesboro might need track surface repairs ahead of Sunday

As NASCAR aimed to blend history with modern demands for a competitive Cup Series race, they opted to retain certain elements of the track, like the surface, to preserve its historical essence. However, managing a track that remained largely unused for two decades is bound to present unexpected challenges.

Pockrass noted that North Wilkesboro, particularly areas recently sealed and patched, might require some track repair work. He reported that once these repairs were made, track activity resumed.

With the eventual repaving of fresh tarmac on the horizon, the existing surface from 1996 could add an unexpected twist for both drivers and teams. Despite these challenges, the unique situation primes the environment for a thrilling All-Star Race, likely to captivate every fan’s attention.

As we eagerly anticipate this enthralling race, we’d love to hear your thoughts and expectations. Are you excited? What do you foresee unfolding on the track over the weekend? Share your insights, predictions, and excitement in the comments section below. We look forward to engaging in the pre-race discussion with you!

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