Dale Earnhardt Jr’s “Tens of Millions” Passion Project Made His Sister Cry as She Gets Emotional About Her Childhood

Published 04/16/2023, 3:00 AM EDT

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

Article continues below this ad

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.

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s “Tens of Millions” Costing Passion Project Has Speedway Motorsports CEO Requesting NASCAR Fans: “Buddy Up, You Don’t Have to Be..”

“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

Article continues below this ad

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.

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY | Dale Earnhardt Jr. Follows His Father’s Legacy as He Makes a Massive Reveal, Taking Fans on a Trip Down Memory Lane

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.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Dasnoor Anand is a NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports who brings a fresh perspective to the world of motorsports. She has always had a knack for writing and a love for cars. She has been an avid follower of Motorsports for several years and is particularly drawn to the intricate workings of the teams in Formula 1 as well as Stock Car Auto Racing.

Edited by:

Akash Pandhare

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s “Tens of Millions” Passion Project Made His Sister Cry as She Gets Emotional About Her Childhood

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

North Wilkesboro Speedway’s Place in NASCAR History

Trending

Exclusive: Michael McDowell Reportedly the “Snitch” Who Got NASCAR Team Kicked Out at Talladega

Exclusive: After Kyle Busch & Denny Hamlin’s Criticism of $5 Million NASCAR Decision, Crew Chief Admits to Feeling “Lost” at Talladega

Struggling Richard Childress Camp Warned of Kyle Busch’s Wrath by HMS Legend

“They Won’t Return Phone Calls “-Dale Jr’s Legendary Short Track Star Reveals NASCAR’s Dark Side Amid Diminishing Interest

“Real Erik Died in the Hospital”- NASCAR’s Shady Involvement Sniffed after Injured LMC Star’s Shocking Next Gen Defense