NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway will officially kick-off in Wilkes County Thursday afternoon with the fan-favorite Hauler Parade presented by Frontier Gas, beginning at 6 p.m. as part of Fan Fest in the ‘Boros.
The Hauler Parade will feature the brightly-colored NASCAR Cup Series race team transporters as they take a detour through the streets of Wilkes County, giving fans an up-close and personal look at the vehicles carrying their favorite drivers' race cars and equipment to the NASCAR All-Star Race at historic North Wilkesboro Speedway.
In conjunction with the Hauler Parade presented by Frontier Gas, the two towns will host Fan Fest in the ‘Boros from 5-9 p.m. North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro have worked in partnership to organize fantastic concerts, food vendors, family-friendly activities, driver appearances and a fireworks show to celebrate this special NASCAR weekend.
NASCAR legend Harry Gant will serve as Grand Marshal for the parade, while Ross Chastain, driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, will headline the driver appearances at the Fan Fest. Chastain will sign autographs at the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program booth in downtown North Wilkesboro. A wristband is required, fans should visit the booth for distribution.
In addition, NASCAR Truck Series driver Mason Massey and zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car driver Dylon Wilson will make appearances at the concert stages in both North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, among other driver appearances.
The Town of Wilkesboro’s activities will be hosted in and around the Carolina West Wireless Community Commons, including a concert by Tree of Forgiveness: A John Prine Tribute, beginning at 5 p.m., and The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Town of North Wilkesboro’s activities will include a concert by Bourbon Sons beginning at 5:15 p.m. and will be hosted in and around the Yadkin Valley Marketplace on CBD Loop at 842 CBD Loop, North Wilkesboro. Activities will include a pitstop challenge, virtual racing simulators, RC racing, a large ferris wheel, and other family-friendly attractions.
The 6 p.m. Hauler Parade presented by Frontier Gas will wind through the towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro on the way to North Wilkesboro Speedway, where they will park for the remainder of the weekend.
NASCAR All-Star Week is a week-long celebration that brings together the sport's biggest stars for a series of thrilling events and races. The festivities culminate with the running of the milestone 40th NASCAR All-Star Race, which pits the best NASCAR drivers against each other in a winner-take-all showdown for $1 million dollars.
Fans interested in attending Fan Fest, the Hauler Parade, concerts, and driver appearances are welcome to park in the nearby parking lots located at the Wilkes County Courthouse in Wilkesboro and multiple public parking lots in downtown North Wilkesboro with shuttle rides provided by The WTA stopping in both Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro. More information and parking maps are available at www.allstarraceweek.com.