NASCAR is on the cusp of restoring a cherished chapter in its history by bringing the North Wilkesboro Speedway back to the Cup Series points race schedule in 2026. This development marks the first time since 1996 that the iconic short track will host a points race, fulfilling a dream that fans have held for nearly 30 years. The return is linked to a venue swap with Dover Motor Speedway, igniting intense debate within the NASCAR community.
North Wilkesboro’s Revival and Its Growing Popularity
North Wilkesboro Speedway’s absence from the Cup Series points calendar began after Jeff Gordon’s victory in the Tyson Holly Farms 400 on September 29, 1996. For three decades, the facility remained dormant for top-tier points events until a $40 million renovation revitalized the track, enabling it to rejoin NASCAR’s national touring series in 2023 with the All-Star Race. This successful reintroduction demonstrated the track’s readiness to accommodate modern Cup Series competition while preserving the classic short-track racing atmosphere that made it legendary.
Christopher Bell, who clinched the 2025 All-Star Race held at North Wilkesboro, praised the track highly, calling it the
best short track on the schedule
and describing it as
absolutely incredible.
Bell’s win came during a 250-lap race that set an All-Star Race record by featuring 18 lead changes involving eight different drivers. The event’s intensity underscored the track’s ability to provide compelling, competitive racing that resonates with both drivers and fans alike.
The track‘s strong performance during the All-Star Race has led to mounting demands for it to gain a regular-season points race. Its ability to produce the kind of exciting short-track racing that NASCAR’s current schedule lacks has made North Wilkesboro a standout candidate for a permanent return.
Fan Backlash Over Dover’s Role and the Schedule Adjustment
The decision to swap Dover Motor Speedway’s points race with North Wilkesboro has sparked widespread criticism among fans and drivers. Dover, which currently hosts one annual Cup Series points event after losing its second date to Nashville Superspeedway in 2021, is slated to become the 2026 All-Star Race venue. This move has created controversy because of several problems tied to Dover as a host.
One major concern is Dover’s lack of lighting infrastructure, which means the All-Star Race will take place during the day. This breaks a long-established tradition of nighttime All-Star events starting with Charlotte Motor Speedway’s innovation in 1992. Fans argue that a daytime race could diminish the event’s spectacle and atmosphere.
Moreover, Dover’s one-mile concrete oval has faced criticism for producing processional racing where passing is limited, a problem highlighted by the NextGen car’s performance. With an All-Star Race field roughly half the size of normal races, this issue could worsen, reducing the race to a dull procession rather than an action-packed showcase.
Fans have voiced frustration over potentially losing Dover’s sole remaining points race. Supporters from the Northeast, in particular, feel overlooked, emphasizing their regional loyalty with comments like,
At this point it’s obvious they just hate the fans.
Additional voices express concerns about regional representation, saying,
I know attendance is down, which has more to do with the fact the current car setup sucks, but do they just forget there are NASCAR fans up here in the northeast?
What to Expect Moving Forward in NASCAR’s 2026 Season
NASCAR is expected to officially release its full 2026 Cup Series schedule soon, with the All-Star Race maintaining its traditional slot on Memorial Day weekend at Dover. Meanwhile, North Wilkesboro is set to receive a summer date for its return as a points race venue. This shuffle is likely to redefine the series’ schedule dynamics and fan engagement, with North Wilkesboro’s inclusion signaling a renewed focus on authentic short-track racing.
The significance of this change extends beyond just the schedule. It reflects NASCAR’s response to fan demands for more exciting short-track events and reintroduces a historic venue that has deep roots in the sport’s heritage. However, the backlash over Dover’s role illustrates the balancing act NASCAR faces in honoring tradition while adapting to contemporary challenges and regional fan bases.
