For now, it seems as if only the old guard of NASCAR fans are celebrating the return of North Wilkesboro Speedway. But such is the history, the racing potential, and the prestige of that track, that it wouldn’t take long for even the young fans to get on board and hail the comeback of the iconic track. And for that, they can thank a certain Dale Earnhardt Jr.

At least that’s what the speedway’s CEO Marcus Smith did.

“A big thanks to Dale Earnhardt Jr who asked me about cleaning up the track back in December 2019, just for the purpose of cleaning it up for iRacing. And I really think that was the catalyst that put things over the tipping point to get us where we are today,” he said during the press conference.

“So big thanks to Dale and all the people he talks with.”

The CEO added, “Also want to say a big thanks to all the people, all the race fans, who have said for years, and years, and years, that they wanted to see racing happen again at North Wilkesboro Speedway.”

“The passion of racing fans is amazing and so inspiring.” 

Which track could Dale Earnhardt Jr help in bringing back to NASCAR?

In an interview from 2021, Dale Earnhardt Jr spoke about his love for the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, a racetrack he eagerly wants back on the regular schedule.

“I would probably add Nashville Fairgrounds [Speedway]. I’ve been working with some folks to help see about the possibility of bringing NASCAR back to the fairgrounds. They haven’t raced there since 1984, and it’s a short track,” he said.

However, the former NASCAR driver admitted that the track is situated in a small community that doesn’t want a big party in town if and when NASCAR rolls in.

“Trying to come in there and race without disrupting the community is very critical and important,” he added.

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