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North Wilkesboro Speedway is one of the most iconic racetracks in NASCAR history. The track hosted their last race in 1996, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of NASCAR fans. Last year, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s sister Kelley Earnhardt visited the circuit and had an emotional moment which she shared on Dale Jr Download.
Kelley Earnhardt Miller is a co-owner of JR Motorsports, a racing team owned by her brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr. , Marcus Smith, Kelley spoke about her emotional visit to North Wilkesboro Speedway last year. She described the experience as overwhelming and emotional as it brought back a flood of memories from her childhood.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s sister’s emotional moment at North Wilkesboro Speedway
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Speaking about her emotional moment at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Kelley said: “I was there last year. I loved the feeling I got driving to North Wilkesboro. I cried, I cried tears last year.”
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April 16, 2016: Kelley Earnhardt Miller, co-owner and vice president of JR. Motorsport before the Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 Xfinity Series. Erik Jones (20) Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Gamestop/ Performance Designed Products Toyota Camry won the Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. (Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire) AUTO: April 16 NASCAR Motorsport USA XFINITY Series – Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon160416006300
Kelley’s emotional moment at North Wilkesboro Speedway was a reminder of the track’s importance to her family and to the sport of NASCAR. She hopes that by renovating the track, she and her brother can give fans the chance to experience the same emotions as them.
“I spent my time as a kid in that empty field you know, hanging on the walls, sitting in the back of a pickup truck.” said Kelly. “You know, it was very emotional for me to be there and that’s why I want people to have that experience.”
Miller has been a strong advocate for the restoration of North Wilkesboro Speedway, and she is not alone in her efforts. In fact, there is a grassroots movement of fans and enthusiasts working tirelessly to bring the track back to life.
North Wilkesboro Speedway’s place in NASCAR history
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North Wilkesboro Speedway was built in 1946 and was one of the first tracks to host NASCAR races. The 0.625 mile circuit was known for its tight corners and short straights which made for exciting racing. Over the years, many of NASCAR’s biggest stars have competed at North Wilkesboro. These include Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Jeff Gordon and Rusty Wallace.
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April 25, 2022, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, United States of America: North Wilkesboro Speedway is a short oval raceway on US Route 421 about five miles east of the city of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. It measures 0.625 miles and features unique Uphill Backstretch and Downhill Frontstretch features. It has previously hosted races in NASCAR, motorsports, the top three series in the United States, including 93 Winston Cup Series races. The track operated from 1949, the inception of NASCAR, until the track’s original closure in 1996
Despite its place in NASCAR history, North Wilkesboro Speedway fell into disrepair in the late 1990s and held its final race in 1996. The track sat idle for over two decades before being purchased by Speedway Motorsports. They invested several million dollars reviving it with the help of Dale Jr., who was an avid advocate of the track and will compete in the CARS Late Model Stock Tour ahead of the NASCAR All-Star race, which will be held at the Expressway in the May.
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The future of North Wilkesboro Speedway is still uncertain. However, there is no denying the impact it has had on the sport of NASCAR and the hearts of its fans. As the track restoration movement gathers momentum, it is clear that North Wilkesboro Speedway will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of NASCAR fans, just as it did for Kelley Earnhardt Miller.