Overview
- The Cup Series will run the Window World 450 on Sunday, July 19, which is the first points-paying Cup race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 30 years.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. helped trigger the track’s revival by organizing a 2019 volunteer cleanup, arranging an iRacing laser scan and pressing Speedway Motorsports leadership to restore real racing.
- An iRacing virtual event during the pandemic showed strong national interest and helped persuade promoters and state officials to invest in repairs, including a reported $18 million for water and power lines.
- NASCAR has introduced an adjusted front bumper on Cup cars that will be used at all remaining short tracks starting at North Wilkesboro, a change teams say will affect contact and setup.
- Drivers warn the fresh surface, lack of long-run data and the unusual 450-lap distance will make strategy, pit stops and tire management highly unpredictable and could affect playoff-point battles this season.