NASCAR: Five Tracks Fans Wish Were Still On The Schedule

North Wilkesboro Speedway

North Wilkesboro Speedway has been off the NASCAR circuit since 1996 but the track has a fabled history in the sport. In fact, the 5/8-mile oval was built a year prior to NASCAR being established as a racing sanctioning body.

From 1949 through 1996, North Wilkesboro hosted 93 cup events. Following the 1996 season, Wilkesboro co-owners Bruton Smith and Bob Bahre moved the track’s race dates to different tracks. Smith moved the annual spring race to his new Texas Motor Speedway venue while Bahre gave the annual fall date to his track in New Hampshire.

For many fans, the loss of North Wilkesboro marked the beginning of the end of the NASCAR they knew and loved. The track has fallen into disrepair although several efforts have been made over the years to bring the speedway back to life.

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