The Wilkesboros Racing Guide
North Wilkesboro Speedway
A local visitor guide to NASCAR race weekends, schedules, parking, camping, food, lodging and things to do around Wilkes County.
Your North Wilkesboro Speedway Visitor Guide
Wilkes County, North CarolinaNorth Wilkesboro Speedway is one of the most historically important short tracks in American stock-car racing. Located just east of downtown North Wilkesboro, the track combines old-school NASCAR character with a modern race-weekend experience.
This guide is designed for local residents and visitors planning a trip to the speedway. It brings together confirmed race scheduling, practical travel planning, local dining, lodging, camping and nearby attractions in Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro and the surrounding Wilkes County communities.
The 2026 weekend was especially significant because NASCAR returned a points-paying Cup Series race to North Wilkesboro for the first time since 1996.
NASCAR All-Star Weekend 2027
May 21–23, 2027Three days of NASCAR racing at North Wilkesboro. Start with the confirmed dates below, then use the speedway’s official event page to plan your tickets and arrival.
Craftsman Truck Series
The Truck Series opens the NASCAR race weekend.
Official weekend details →O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Saturday’s racing features the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Official weekend details →NASCAR All-Star Race
The Cup Series All-Star Race closes out the weekend.
Tickets & weekend packages →Dates checked against the official speedway announcement on October 21, 2026. Confirm race start times, practice sessions and gate opening times with the track before your visit.
2026 Weekend Archive July 17–19, 2026
This event has passed. The published 2026 timetable is retained here for reference; it does not describe the 2027 weekend. All times are Eastern.
Friday, July 17
zMAX CARS Tour
Saturday, July 18
FaithFest 250
Sunday, July 19
Window World 450
Weather affected on-track activity, including canceled Cup qualifying. NASCAR’s 2026 weekend schedule lists Saturday’s Cup practice at 6:40 p.m. Check the official archive for details.
Plan Your Race Weekend
Before You Leave HomeTickets and Credentials
Buy through official speedway or NASCAR channels. Save digital tickets to your phone before arriving because mobile service can be strained by race-day crowds.
Official tickets & packages →Parking and Traffic
Arrive early, follow temporary traffic signs and use the parking area assigned to your ticket or pass. Expect congestion before and after major events.
See local planning tips →Weather and Clothing
Check the local forecast before you pack. Bring sun protection, hearing protection and layers for changing temperatures; confirm the track’s current bag and permitted-item rules.
Visit the official track site →Parking, Traffic and Arrival Tips
Local AdviceMake race day easier
Where to Stay, Eat and Explore
Build a Wilkes County WeekendHotels and Lodging
Look in North Wilkesboro, Wilkesboro and nearby communities. Race weekends can sell out early, so book as soon as event dates are confirmed.
Browse Wilkes County lodging →Restaurants Near the Track
Wilkes County offers barbecue, diners, locally owned restaurants and familiar chains. Plan meal times around the heaviest traffic periods.
Browse local food coverage →Things to Do
Extend your visit with downtown Wilkesboro, downtown North Wilkesboro, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir, local history and Blue Ridge foothills recreation.
Explore W. Kerr Scott Reservoir →A NASCAR Landmark
Why North Wilkesboro Speedway Matters
The speedway hosted racing before NASCAR was formally established and became one of the sport’s foundational venues. Its unusual uphill and downhill straightaways, tight short-track racing and deep connection to the region’s moonshine and stock-car history made it a fan favorite.
After the Cup Series left following the 1996 season, years of preservation and revival efforts eventually brought major NASCAR racing back. The 2026 Window World 450 marked the track’s first points-paying Cup race in 30 years.
North Wilkesboro Speedway opened.
The track joined NASCAR’s early premier-series schedule.
Jeff Gordon won the final Cup points race before the long absence.
NASCAR Cup racing returned with the All-Star Race.
The track hosted the Window World 450 points race.
The All-Star Race is scheduled to return May 23.
Race-Weekend Visitor Resources
Plan Your VisitParking & Arrival
Check the track’s parking page for event parking options, then follow the lot and arrival instructions provided with your pass.
Official parking information →Camping at the Track
Review the speedway’s camping information and current 2027 camping interest form before making RV or overnight plans.
Official camping information →Restaurants Near the Speedway
Find downtown restaurants, barbecue, cafés and casual stops for meals before or after the race.
Explore the local dining guide →Hotels & Lodging
Explore hotels, cabins and other places to stay through Wilkes County’s official tourism directory.
Find a place to stay →Speedway History
Follow the track’s story from its 1947 opening through the return of major NASCAR racing.
Read the track’s milestones →More to Do in Wilkes County
Add downtown exploring, local history, trails and a visit to W. Kerr Scott Reservoir to your race weekend.
Browse things to do →Frequently Asked Questions
Speedway Visitor InformationWhere is North Wilkesboro Speedway?
The speedway is at 381 Speedway Lane in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, just east of the town’s central business district.
How long is North Wilkesboro Speedway?
The historic asphalt oval is 0.625 mile long, commonly described as a five-eighths-mile short track.
When is the 2027 NASCAR All-Star Race?
The Cup Series All-Star Race is scheduled for Sunday, May 23, 2027, as part of the May 21–23 race weekend. Confirm start times and updates on the official event page.
Which series race during the 2027 weekend?
The Craftsman Truck Series is scheduled for Friday, May 21; the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for Saturday, May 22; and the Cup Series All-Star Race for Sunday, May 23.
Where should I check future schedules?
Use the official North Wilkesboro Speedway event calendar and NASCAR’s official schedule pages. Dates and times may change, especially because of weather or television requirements.
How early should I arrive?
For a major NASCAR event, arriving several hours before on-track activity is sensible. Follow the opening times and parking guidance published for your specific ticket and event.
Have a North Wilkesboro Speedway tip?
Share a local restaurant, lodging option, parking lesson, historic photograph or race-weekend recommendation with The Wilkesboros community.
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