The historic .625-mile quick observe efficiently hosted NASCAR competitors this previous weekend – a Truck collection race and the NASCAR All-Star Race – for the primary time since 1996.
It didn’t come straightforward, requiring a lot convincing of state and native authorities officers Speedway Motorsports president Marcus Smith to not point out $18 million in cash from the N.C. state authorities for infrastructure enhancements.
Whereas Sunday night time’s All-Star Race could not have produced the fireworks on the observe many had been hoping, the ambiance over your complete week with capability crowds was actually electrical.
Speedway Motorsports has already begun conversations with NASCAR over the 2024 schedules for Vans, Xfinity and Cup, which implies there may be little time for Smith to mull over the right way to make the most of the corporate’s latest addition subsequent season.
Requested following Sunday night time’s race whether or not there’s a place for North Wilkesboro on Speedway Motorsports’ 2024 schedule of NASCAR occasions, Smith mentioned, “It’s a query that’s on my thoughts, as effectively. I feel that once you see a profitable week of occasions like we’ve had right here, it’s pure to assume, ‘Boy, perhaps we might come again right here.’
“I’m positively considering that manner, that it’s received lots of potential. I’ve by no means been to a NASCAR week the place everyone was in such a very good temper and every little thing was simply going so effectively.
“It’s positively one thing that we’re excited about.”
Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing, Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry
Picture by: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images
The speedway was renovated with the concept it might host a wide range of occasions going ahead, from racing to concert events.
The approaching choices on the observe’s future are simply as essential for the realm’s residents and enterprise – and maybe extra so – than NASCAR followers.
Its first massive weekend couldn’t have gone a lot smoother when it comes to logistics.
Nightmare parking and site visitors points predicted by some by no means materialized because of wonderful preparation by observe and state officers.
The observe, final repaved in 1981, required minor patches and restore work throughout the week however nothing that disrupted the racing schedule.
Getting the observe reopened was an enormous accomplishment. Getting by way of the week’s occasions with no main hiccup could have certified as a miracle.
By pulling all of it off, nonetheless, Speedway Motorsports has naturally raised expectations of doing it once more.
Larson sweeps the weekend
Kyle Larson, who received each Saturday’s Truck race and Sunday’s All-Star occasion and its $1 million high prize, would welcome a return.
“Actually, I simply wish to see us maintain coming again right here,” he mentioned. “I feel NASCAR has lots of roots right here, so it deserves a spot on our schedule, whether or not it’s a non-points race or a factors race, no matter.”
The reply will doubtless come quickly.
“We simply began engaged on subsequent 12 months’s schedule with NASCAR, so we’ll see,” Smith mentioned. “I feel that – not talking to subsequent 12 months particularly – I do assume that there’s positively a spot within the NASCAR world for North Wilkesboro Speedway, and whether or not it’s a particular occasion like All-Star, perhaps sooner or later it’s a factors occasion, I don’t know.
“I feel it’s a vital place for brief observe racing, the late mannequin races, the modifieds, you identify it. It’s a particular place. It’s like strolling right into a museum that’s lively and residing and really particular for the opponents and the followers alike.”
