North Wilkesboro Speedway isn’t just a race track — it’s a living legend. From iconic battles among NASCAR’s greatest drivers, to the speedway's epic revival, North Wilkesboro's story is one of grit, glory, and unforgettable moments.
As we approach the NASCAR All-Star Race weekend, May 16-18, take a look at some of the most memorable events that shaped North Wilkesboro Speedway's place in motorsports lore:
'Fonty' Comes First (1947)
Less than a year before NASCAR was founded, North Wilkesboro hosted its first race in 1947. Fonty Flock took the win on what was then a five-eighths-mile dirt oval, thrilling a packed crowd and igniting a legacy that would span generations.
'The King' vs. 'The Alabama Gang' (1972)
Fans who attended the Wilkes 400 on Oct. 1, 1972, witnessed two of racing's foremost families engage in wheel-to-wheel combat over 400 hotly contested laps. "King" Richard Petty and Bobby Allison, co-founder of "The Alabama Gang," engaged in one of the most intense battles in NASCAR history, with Allison leading a race-high 239 laps, but Petty emerging victorious over one of his most accomplished adversaries.
An infusion of post-race drama, complete with a fan altercation in Victory Lane, punctuated an unforgettable showdown.
A Late Tangle, An Unlikely Winner (1989)
The 1989 Holly Farms 400 belonged to Dale Earnhardt — for the most part. With a season sweep of North Wilkesboro on his mind, along with a great shot at the championship, "The Intimidator" won the pole and led 343 of 400 laps. A late caution flag bunched up the field for a three-lap trophy dash between Earnhardt and presumptive runner-up Ricky Rudd.
The dash lasted only two laps for Earnhardt and Rudd, as the pair made contact in Turn 1 on the final lap, sending both cars around and leaving Geoff Bodine to escape with the trophy. The only lap Bodine led was the last one.
Rainbow Reward (1996)
In what was ultimately his final chance to win at North Wilkesboro, Jeff Gordon claimed victory in the 1996 Tyson Holly Farms 400 — the final Cup Series race before a hiatus that closed one chapter in the track's history. Gordon kept Dale Earnhardt at bay, winning the race by 1.7 seconds.
While Earnhardt was left to rue another close call at North Wilkesboro, the seven-time champion still collected five Cup Series wins at the track (1986, '87, '89, '91 and '95).
A Star-Studded Revival (2023)
After years of silence, North Wilkesboro roared back to life in 2023 with the NASCAR All-Star Race. The return of racing to this hallowed ground wasn’t just a moment — it was a movement. Kyle Larson began the race in search of a weekend sweep, having conquered the track's first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series event in nearly 27 years the day before.
The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion ended the night with an elevator ride to the winner's circle, concluding a weekend that will not soon be forgotten for the driver, his team, and the rocking crowd of fans who witnessed it.
What stories will come from this year's All-Star Race? Secure your tickets today and be part of history!