After years of fighting to make its return to NASCAR, North Wilkesboro Speedway is now in the midst of a new crisis. The historic short track is now looking to get funding from the government to make its return to the calendar. 

The Speedway is all set to host its first points race in nearly thirty years on 19th July. However, with the costs of hosting a race being high, the organizers have filed for a petition to approve funds from the state’s Major Events, Games & Attractions Fund, a fund that was created by North Carolina back in 2023.

"North Wilkesboro Speedway track owner Speedway Motorsports is looking to secure a state grant as it prepares for the upcoming NASCAR race weekend. ... Speedway Motorsports hopes to get grant money from the state's Major Events, Games & Attractions Fund." NASCAR insider Adam Stern wrote in a post on X.

As reported by Chris Weaver of the Wilkes County News, Wilkes County will need to file for a petition approved by all three county, the Speedway, and NASCAR Event Management.  Once approved, this fund will be applied by  NASCAR Event Management to improve the Speedway. 

While putting forward their petition to the county, Greg Walter and North Wilkesboro Speedway Executive Director Graig Hoffman spoke about how getting the grant will be a huge help to promote the race. 

“We could bring a major concert to North Wilkesboro Speedway. We could bring in a number events. This just offsets our costs and risk as a promoter to do so. Now that we have a points race in Wilkes County, we are trying to access the fund to be sure that we can offset the expenses we have and keep a points race in Wilkes County.” Greg Walter said. 

Last year, the speedway hosted the All-Star race. The track will also host NASCAR’s truck race on July 18th. 

Despite the financial setback, Walter and Hoffman are looking forward to hosting the first points race in nearly 30 years. 

North Wilkesboro pushes to secure NASCAR future 

The track was first built in 1947. North Wilkesboro is one of the two tracks from the original NASCAR schedule from 1949. 

The speedway has been one of the biggest economic boosters for the county in all the years that it has hosted NASCAR. The country has reportedly generated more than $50 million. 

While putting forth his case for the funds, Walter revealed that Speedway Motorsports has been working towards keeping the race at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. 

“NASCAR grants these races every year. The schedule comes out and they’re highly sought after, and we want to make sure that Wilkes County stays on the schedule for years to come.” as reported by Fox8.

With its deep NASCAR history and economic impact of the track, the local stakeholders appear determined to ensure that the race remains at the track rather than becoming a thing of the past yet again. 

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi