Folks, we just ended the All-Star weekend at Wilkesboro, and all drivers raved about the atmosphere, and fans from across the country made the pilgrimage to North Carolina, eager to be part of NASCAR history. “North Wilkesboro, best short track on the schedule!” Christopher Bell exclaimed with joy after his historic win. It felt like a celebration of the sport’s roots, a reminder of why so many fell in love with NASCAR in the first place.

And it’s not just Christopher Bell. Bubba Wallace made it clear. This was more than just a race. “You’re putting on a show for the fans. Even if it’s $1 million, for those guys, $1 million to NFL players is nothing.” And he couldn’t be more right. This time around NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway was everything fans could have hoped for (and more). The stands were packed, the energy was electric, and the racing delivered nonstop drama from green flag to checkered. TV ratings soared, and social media buzzed with praise for the throwback short track and its old-school charm.

With the All-Star Race such a hit, everyone’s asking the same question: what’s next for North Wilkesboro—and what does it mean for the rest of the Cup Series schedule? As NASCAR looks to the future, some outspoken insiders are starting to wonder if another iconic event’s time is running out.

With the 2025 All-Star Race earning rave reviews, the debate around the Cup Series schedule is heating up. Many fans and industry voices are pushing for North Wilkesboro to finally land a points race, citing its sold-out crowds, electric atmosphere, and nostalgic appeal.

And race winner Christopher Bell agrees. “Oh, I think it would be absolutely amazing. Like, just the amount of rubber that’s going to get smeared on the racetrack, you’re literally… line and everywhere in between. And I think it has potential to be serious magic. I would love to have a points race there, go have more cars on the track and adding lap traffic.” 

But adding a new race isn’t simple. As Freddie Kraft explained, “If we do have a points race there, it’s gotta replace something and you assume it’s gotta replace an SMI track.” Given Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) owns North Wilkesboro, if it makes it to the Cup Series, one of its other tracks will have to be removed, Kraft points out the tough choices ahead. “You better pack Dover, you better pack Loudon, because those are the ones I’m worried about if North Wilkesboro gets a date.” While COTA put on a strong show in 2025, its future, like other tracks, is never guaranteed in a changing landscape.

The Chicago Street Race, however, is where the biggest questions are swirling. Kraft didn’t mince words. “I don’t know how much shelf life is left on that race.” Despite a ‘flashy’ debut in 2023 and strong TV ratings, the event has faced challenges. Firstly, not everyone is a fan of the tight 2.140 mi (3.444 km) loop through Grant Park. And unlike most NASCAR classic tracks, it sits within the city. “When I strap in, I’m probably not gonna see much of the sky. It’s gonna be buildings and walls and fences and tight confines,” Ross Chastain said before the 2023 race.

Then, there are weather delays, logistical headaches, and mixed reviews from drivers and, especially, Chicago city residents. “Chicagoans have been calling for better access to our public parks. We’ve [instead] just been giving more and more of our public space away to corporations,” said Rony Islam, an organizer with Chicago Bike Grid Now!

Lastly, the city’s contract with NASCAR runs through 2025. But local government support has wavered, and rumors persist about moving the street race to another city. With North Wilkesboro putting up a great spectacle, the future of a NASCAR race in Chicago looks even more bleak. As NASCAR weighs tradition against innovation, the future of the Chicago Street Race hangs in the balance. Insiders and fans alike are watching closely, wondering which iconic event might be next to face the chopping block.

These insiders think it will be one of the road courses.

Insiders question Street Racing’s place in NASCAR

It’s not just the Chicago Street Race under the microscope. NASCAR’s move toward street courses has sparked debate across the sport. Many traditional fans simply don’t connect with street racing. The tight turns, concrete barriers, and lack of passing zones make for a very different show compared to classic ovals or even road courses.

Freddie Kraft summed up the sentiment: “I don’t like road course racing to begin with.” The sport now has five road or street races on the schedule, a number that some feel is too high. “Well, now we’ve got five of ‘em. It’s just too many,” Kraft argued. The five courses are the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (Mexico City), Chicago Street Course, Sonoma Raceway, and Watkins Glen International.

Derek Kneeland added another perspective. “Do we need to do it? Yes, we need to have different styles of racing.” Kneeland acknowledges the importance of variety, but he, too, believes NASCAR has gone overboard. “We need three,” Kneeland explained. Fan reactions on social media and forums echo these insider views. Many miss the days when the schedule was dominated by ovals and just a couple of road courses, like Watkins Glen and Sonoma.

They argue that street courses, in particular, don’t fit NASCAR’s identity and often produce processional races with little action. As NASCAR continues to evolve, the challenge will be finding the right balance between innovation and tradition. But, most importantly, without alienating its core fan base.