North Wilkesboro Speedway set to receive $4M from new North Carolina budget

North Carolina’s new state budget has set aside funds for North Wilkesboro Speedway as the track hopes to become part of the NASCAR circuit again. The Wilkes Journal-Patriot reported on the financial news over the weekend.

The speedway will receive $4 million as part of the new state budget. From the story, “$4 million for Speedway Motorsports Inc., an incentive state officials earlier agreed to give the company for having the NASCAR All-Star race at the North Wilkesboro Speedway this past May. (Rep. Jeffrey) Elmore said SMI also committed to having two NASCAR events the following season. One is the Brushy Mountain Powersports 150, part of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, on Sept. 30.”

North Wilkesboro was the site of NASCAR’s 2023 All-Star race. After a wildly successful event this year, there’s speculation about the sport returning to the track for another run in the future.

This year’s NASCAR event at the track marked the first time the sport raced in the location since 1996. Following the race, legendary driver Dale Jarrett gave plenty of props to the track’s revival.

“Obviously, there was a tremendous amount of hype leading up to it. But, I think it lived up to the hype,” Jarrett said on NBC Sports. “It was a huge event. … That’s what you’re looking for — events that make a difference. That’s what people want to be a part of.

“North Wilkesboro was a big part of why this sport continued to grow through the 80s and 90s until we quit racing there. It was great to see that. The fan support was just unbelievable … it was a good vibe and a good scene to be part of. … So, I think it was a huge success.

In addition to the $4 million for the track, the state also set aside $3 million for a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 421 for events at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Because of the success during NASCAR’s All-Star week, there’s been a push to potentially host a Cup Series points race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen.

Jarrett explained briefly what it might take to get a points race back at the track.

“Will we see a race there, a points race? I don’t see why not,” he said. “The surface just needs to be redone and I think we’ll see better racing then.”

With money pouring into the track, maybe a points race is on the horizon.