North Wilkesboro Speedway is one of the most iconic tracks in the history of NASCAR. The track hosted its last race in 1996, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of NASCAR fans. Last year, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s sister, Kelley Earnhardt, visited the track and had an emotional moment that she shared on Dale Jr Download.

Kelley Earnhardt Miller is the co-owner of JR Motorsports, a racing team co-owned by her brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr. During a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast featuring Mike Davis and the President/CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc., Marcus Smith, Kelley opened up about her emotional visit to the North Wilkesboro Speedway last year. She described the experience as being overwhelming and emotional, as it brought back a flood of memories from her childhood.

The emotional moment of the sister of Dale Earnhardt Jr. at North Wilkesboro Speedway

Kelley talked about her emotional moment at North Wilkesboro Speedway and said, “I went there last year. I loved the feeling that I got when I drove up to North Wilkesboro. I cried, I cried tears last year.” 

Kelley’s emotional moment at North Wilkesboro Speedway was a reminder of the track’s importance to her family and to the sport of NASCAR. She hopes that by renovating the track, she and her brother can give fans the opportunity to experience the same emotions she did.

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“I spent my time as a kid in that empty field you know hanging on the walls, sitting on the back of a pick-up truck,” Kelley said. “You know, just being there was very emotional for me and so I want people to have that experience.”

Miller has been a vocal advocate for the restoration of the North Wilkesboro Speedway, and she is not alone in her efforts. In fact, there is a grassroots movement of fans and enthusiasts who are working tirelessly to bring the track back to life.

North Wilkesboro Speedway’s Place in NASCAR History

North Wilkesboro Speedway was built in 1946 and was one of the first tracks to host NASCAR races. The 0.625-mile track was known for its tight turns and short straightaways, which made for exciting racing. Over the years, many of NASCAR’s biggest stars competed at North Wilkesboro. These include Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Jeff Gordon, and Rusty Wallace.

Despite its place in NASCAR history, North Wilkesboro Speedway fell into disrepair in the late 1990s and hosted its last race in 1996. The track sat dormant for over two decades before being purchased by Speedway Motorsports. They invested several million dollars in order to revive it with the help of Dale Jr. who has been an avid representative of the track and will be participating in the CARS late model stock tour before the NASCAR All-Star race that will be held at the speedway in May.

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The future of the North Wilkesboro Speedway is still uncertain. However, there is no denying the impact that it has had on the sport of NASCAR and the hearts of its fans. As the movement to restore the track gains momentum, it is clear that the North Wilkesboro Speedway will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of NASCAR fans, just as it does for Kelley Earnhardt Miller.