At North Wilkesboro Speedway, history isn’t just remembered — it’s felt. This revered short track is where rivalries were ignited and champions made their mark.

• 1947 – Flock Finishes First
  North Wilkesboro had already flown the green flag before NASCAR was even founded. Fonty Flock won the track’s inaugural race on May 18, 1947, when the speedway was a rough-and-tumble, 5/8-mile dirt oval.
  
  
• 1972 – Allison Battles 'The King'
  "King" Richard Petty and Bobby Allison traded the lead for much of the Wilkes 400, frequently swapping paint along the way. When the dust settled, Petty stood atop Victory Lane — but not without drama. A scuffle involving fans broke out post-race, capping off an explosive afternoon of action.
  
  
• 1989 – Earnhardt vs. Rudd
  Dale Earnhardt and Ricky Rudd engaged in a breathtaking display of short-track bravado that ended seconds before the checkered flag fell. Earnhardt and Rudd entered Turn 1 refusing to give ground, then both combatants spun out after making contact. Geoff Bodine emerged with an unexpected triumph in what was vintage Wilkesboro — flat-out, no room to breathe.
  
  
• 1996 – Gordon’s Golden Afternoon
  What was thought to be North Wilkesboro’s final NASCAR Cup Series race resulted in an almost-poetic ending. Jeff Gordon dominated the afternoon en route to his 19th of 93 victories, and while it marked the end of an era, it was not the end of the story.
  
  
• 2023 – Star-Studded Return
  Thanks in part to help from Dale Earnhardt Jr. and friends, North Wilkesboro's first NASCAR All-Star Race featured a sold-out crowd, tons of on-track excitement, and a winner — Kyle Larson — who went from the rear of the field to the front in scoring a weekend sweep.

From blue-collar beginnings to first-class revivals, North Wilkesboro has always held its own in the racing world. And with NASCAR returning to this hallowed ground in 2026, you can bet on Wilkesboro's next chapter being as unforgettable as its first. Don’t miss out on the next great moment.