On Tuesday, the North Carolina foothills echoed with the return of NASCAR Cup Series engines as drivers participated in a critical test session at North Wilkesboro Speedway. This event marked the debut of a new 750-horsepower engine package, slated for use across nearly 20 tracks during the 2026 NASCAR season, generating excitement among fans and teams alike.
The test served a dual purpose, offering race teams valuable performance insights while also welcoming fans inside the grandstands to witness the action in person. Spectators had the unique opportunity to buy single-day tickets at the box office for the upcoming Window World 450 race, scheduled for July 19, 2026. These tickets will become available to the wider public starting Wednesday.
Significance of the Window World 450 Season Opener
The upcoming Window World 450 will be historic as it represents the first points-scoring NASCAR Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway since 1996. This milestone adds special meaning to the recent test day on the track, as teams gathered critical data to prepare for the introduction of the more powerful 750-horsepower package on short tracks and road courses during the season.
Driver Reactions and Technical Insights from the Test
Many drivers reflected on the track’s performance and how the new power package could influence racing dynamics as 2026 approaches. Chris Buescher of RFK Racing noted the track’s racing potential, saying,
“Wilkesboro, for one, is a very racey track. We have moved around from the start of the day, where we had one and a half lanes in one and two and were just buried on the bottom in three and four. Right at the lunch break, that all opened up. The track itself lends itself to better racing. You probably don’t notice the power from the get-go, but at the tail end of the runs, with some of the falloff and the struggles in the car, I think that’s where you realize, ‘ok, I had more underneath us at the beginning of this run and I may be paying the price at this point.’ There’s no downside to it. This is a track, even though there’s new asphalt, I think you’ll see a little bit more change from it.”
Chris Buescher, RFK Racing
Josh Berry of Wood Brothers Racing expressed enthusiasm about the facility and the fan experience, saying,
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s a great facility. We’ve seen really good turnout from the fans each time we race here and I think some solid races. We’re excited to see it have a full-length race here – 400 laps here in the summer. I think it should put on a great show. Hopefully, we have a great turnout and a great race.”
Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing
Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott shared his hopes regarding the impact of increased power on racing, commenting,
“I hope it’s for the better. I don’t see the power hurting the entertainment factor of the race. Hopefully, it allows us to have to peddle the cars at some point throughout a run. There’s a lot of grip out there today, I feel like. But even by the end of 40 laps, there’s a good bit of falloff even for the temperatures we have today. I would have to imagine, we come back here in the summer months, certainly it will be warmer than it is today. You combine that with a lot more cars being on the track and I do think there will be wear. Obviously, more power will impact that as well. Hopefully, we keep inching up on making these long runs more of a challenge.”
Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports
Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing highlighted the value and commitment behind the test sessions, stating,
“This is big. This is valuable. Justin Marks and Trackhouse spend a lot of money and I think they would spend a lot more if we had more days like this. Selfishly, we’re competitors and we just want to do good. The best way to get better at racing is to go drive the car… Repeating something, as human beings, if we keep doing it with intention – not just cruising around in the wrong get – it’s super valuable. Justin (Marks) was here this morning, you know, the first real test of the year. He wanted to be here, smell it, see it, hear it. You really can’t put a dollar amount on it. I don’t pay the bills, but I don’t think Justin could either.”
Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. from Hyak Motorsports discussed how short tracks benefit from the new horsepower package, adding,
“Short tracks were somewhere we needed to get better at, no matter what the package was. So, throwing in new horsepower and a different package may help us figure it out, or at least get us closer to everybody else. The more horsepower, the better, yes. If we can continue in that direction, I do think Goodyear is doing a good job of bringing us tires that wear out and continuing to evolve them. I think all of us drivers and teams are on board with that. Pairing that with NASCAR adding horsepower, I think everything is moving in the right direction to get us even better racing.”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Hyak Motorsports
Erik Jones of Legacy Motor Club expressed optimism that the added power would enhance tire falloff, which is key for competitive racing, explaining,
“As far as the power goes, I hope it makes it better. Hopefully gets us some more falloff and gives us some opportunity to save tires. We went to the soft tires at different places, but I don’t feel like it’s quite at the falloff that we need it to really race until we were super late in the run. We saw some falloff already today and it’s going to be forty degrees hotter probably when we get back here.”
Erik Jones, Legacy Motor Club
Ticket Sales and Fan Engagement for the 2026 Season
Single-day tickets for the Window World 450 will be available online starting Wednesday, complementing weekend ticket bundles, premium seating options, and camping packages already on offer. As championship stakes return to one of NASCAR’s historic venues, fans can anticipate a full race-day experience in July, including a pre-race concert by The Sawyer Brown Band, adding to North Wilkesboro Speedway’s growing momentum ahead of the 2026 season.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets and camping accommodations for all Window World 450 events through the speedway’s official website or by phone. Continued updates about this event and the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race will be shared across North Wilkesboro Speedway’s social media channels.
Revitalization Brings Renewed Energy to NASCAR’s Legacy Track
The successful return of NASCAR’s 750-horsepower engines at North Wilkesboro not only signals the revival of a storied track but also sets the stage for an exciting and competitive 2026 season. With powerful new machinery, improved tire performance, and enthusiastic fan involvement, the Window World 450 is poised to become a landmark event. The insights gained from this test day will help teams optimize strategies, while race fans can look forward to thrilling competition on a revitalized circuit that honors NASCAR’s rich heritage.
