NASCAR at North Wilkesboro: Iconic short track officially returning as points race in 2026

North Wilkesboro Speedway has hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race in each of the last three seasons. That will come to an end in 2026, as North Wilkesboro will host its first Cup Series points race since 1996.

The return of North Wilkesboro as one of 26 regular season races had been rumored for some time. NASCAR made it official Wednesday with the unveiling of the 2026 schedule. The Window World 400 at North Wilkesboro will take place Sunday, July 19.

North Wilkesboro and Dover Motor Speedway have essentially swapped places. Dover will host the All-Star Race on Sunday, May 17. “The Monster Mile” has now lost both of its points race dates in recent years.

North Wilkesboro returning to NASCAR regular season calendar

The North Wilkesboro points race will also represent Round 4 of the 2026 NASCAR In-Season Challenge. North Wilkesboro hosted at least one Cup race every season from 1949-1996 but sat mostly dormant until its revival in 2023. Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, chief revenue & racing innovation officer, explained why a points race makes sense at the 0.625-mile oval short track.

“The biggest factor was our fans and the feedback that we heard from them after the All-Star Race this year,” Kennedy said, via NASCAR.com. “You know, 70% of them asked for a points race at North Wilkesboro, and it was about four out of five 18- to 34-year-olds also asked for a points race at North Wilkesboro. I think on top of that, we also heard from the industry that hey, it’s been great having the All-Star Race here for a few years, but we’d love to see a return to a points event.

“And being in TNT’s portion of the season with Dale Jr. in the booth, it’s been 30 years since we’ve had a points race at North Wilkesboro since Jeff Gordon went to Victory Lane in the late 1990s, it’s going to be a great return. So, we’re excited to see it.”