NASCAR All-Star Race: Guide of events for every race fan

NASCAR’S PRESTIGIOUS CUP SERIES IS RETURNING TO NORTH WILKESBORO SPEEDWAY. THIS YEAR’S ALL-STAR RACE IS THREE WEEKS FROM SUNDAY AT THE HISTORIC TRACK, WHICH HOSTED 93 CUP RACES BETWEEN 1949 AND 1996. THE STORY OF NORTH WILKESBORO SPEEDWAY ACTUALLY PREDATES NASCAR ITSELF. THERE ARE INCREDIBLE HIGHS AND HEARTBREAKING LOWS IN ITS MORE THAN THREE QUARTERS OF A CENTURY, AND THERE’S NOBODY WHO CAN TELL THE STORY BETTER THAN FORMER TRACK PRESIDENT MIKE STALEY, WHOSE FATHER WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL FOUNDERS. TONIGHT, WE KICK OFF OUR SERIES BACK ON TRACK RACING RETURNS TO NORTH WILKESBORO FOR THAT IS PRETTY COOL, TOO. IF A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, THEN MIKE STALEY’S, THREE CAR GARAGE IN NORTH WILKESBORO HAS TO BE WORTH MILLIONS OF THEM. IT’S NOT AN ACCIDENT THAT HE HAS ALL OF THESE RACETRACK ARTIFACTS, EVERYTHING FROM THE PACE CAR USED IN ITS FINAL SEASON TO THE OLD CONCESSION STAND SIGN 250 FOR A PACK OF CIGARETS. IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY, MIKE’S FATHER, ENOCH STALEY, WAS ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF NORTH WILKESBORO SPEEDWAY. I REMEMBER ONE WELL PROBABLY THE FIRST TIME I EVER WENT DOWN THERE. I WAS PROBABLY 5 OR 6 YEARS GO OLD. MAMA TOOK ME DOWN THERE AND SAID, I WANT TO GO IN THE TRACK AND THERE’S GUYS AT THE GATE. YOU KNOW, BIG OLD GUYS, YOU KNOW, I WAS AFRAID TO GO IN. I SAID, TELL WHO YOU ARE. I SAID, WELL, YOU KNOW, I WAS JUST SHY, YOU KNOW, SO I FINALLY SAID, MY DAD SAID, GO, MIKE SAYS THE WHOLE THING STARTED AFTER HIS FATHER AND SOME FRIENDS WENT TO A RACE IN SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE MID 1940S AND THOUGHT, LET’S BUILD A RACE TRACK HERE AT HOME. SOMEBODY HAD SOME MONEY AND SOMEBODY HAD SOME EQUIPMENT AND SOMEBODY HAD THE LAND AND THAT’S HOW THEY PARTNERED UP NORTH WILKESBORO HOSTED ITS FIRST RACE ON DIRT IN 1947. AT THE TIME, NASCAR DID NOT YET EXIST. THEY EXPECTED MAYBE 3000 PEOPLE. AT THE FIRST RACE. THEY HAD 10,000. THEY KNEW THEY WERE ON TO SOMETHING, AND IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG BEFORE ENOCH WAS WORKING FOR NASCAR FULL TIME, STARTING IN 1949, NORTH WILKESBORO WENT ON TO HOST 93 CUP SERIES RACES AND EVENTUALLY MIKE BECAME TRACK PRESIDENT. IT WAS THE BEST JOB I EVER HAD IN MY LIFE, WORKING WITH MY DAD AND THEN RUNNING THE SPEEDWAY. OH MAN, I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS THE LAST ONE. AND BUT ON SEPTEMBER 29TH, 1996, THE TRACK HOSTED ITS FINAL CUP RACE. NASCAR DECIDED TO GIVE NORTH WILKESBORO TWO RACES A YEAR TO MUCH NEWER TRACKS IN TEXAS AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. I JUST HATE TO LEAVE IT NOT GOOD. I THINK IT SHOULD HAVE STAYED. IT’S A SOUTH. IT’S THAT’S WHERE THE SPORT COME FROM. FROM THE FOOTHILLS OF SHORT TRACKS OR DIRT TRACKS AND ALL THAT IS NOW JUST IT’S JUST A MONEY RACKET. 80% OF THE RACE TRACKS I EVER WANT TO RACE ON. THEY’RE NOT IN EXISTENCE ANYMORE. SPORTS RUN IN WINSTON CUP. SO IT’S JUST ANOTHER RACE. SO FOR DECADES, NORTH WILKESBORO JUST SAT. I DIDN’T LIKE TO LOOK AT IT. IT WAS JUST A LITTLE DETERIORATED LIKE THAT. AND THE BUILDING WAS FILLED IN AND YOU COULD SEE IT AND JUST WHAT WAS THERE AT ONE TIME? HOW VIBRANT AND ALIVE AND THE PEOPLE THAT CAME IS JUST AMAZING THAT IT COULD GO DOWN THAT WAY. NOW, ALMOST 27 YEARS LATER, THE TRACK IS GETTING AN $18 MILLION FACELIFT AND THE CUP SERIES IS COMING BACK. DID YOU HONESTLY EVER THINK WE’D GET TO WHERE WE ARE NOW? NO, NOT NOT WITHOUT THE INFLUX OF A LOT OF MONEY TO COME BACK. AND THAT’S LUCKILY THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED. YOU COULD ARGUE IT’S ONE OF THE ONLY GOOD THINGS TO COME OUT OF COVID, COULDN’T YOU? YEAH, THAT’S TRUE. THAT’S TRUE. WHAT WOULD YOUR DAD THINK OF ALL THIS? HE’D BE PRETTY AMAZED. HE WOULD. HE WOULD LIKE IT. I’M SURE. MIKE STALEY SAYS WHEN THE ALL-STAR FESTIVITIES ARE OVER, HE’D LOVE TO SEE RACING CONTINUE WITH THE TRACK, PARTICULARLY IN THE MODIFIED SERIES, WHICH IS THE SIGNATURE EVENT AT BOWMAN GRACE STADIUM IN WINSTON-SALEM. BE SURE TO STAY WITH US. IN THE RUN UP TO THE ALL STAR RACE WE’VE GOT CONTINUING COVERAGE FOR YOU, INCLUDING AN HOUR LONG SPECIAL BACK ON TRACK RACING RETURNS TO NORTH WILKESBORO. YOU CAN SEE IT ONLY HERE ON WXII 12 NEWS MONDAY, MAY 15TH AT 7

There are lots of events for race fans taking place leading up to the NASCAR All-Star Race weekend, which will be held May 19-21 at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. Check out all the events, including a Hauler Parade, Fan Fest in the 'Boros and more, like charity events. Want more? We've got you covered: Check out the NASCAR All-Star Race Guide: Parking, shuttles, fan events, charity events, accommodations and lots more.FAN EVENTSNASCAR Hauler ParadeWhen: Thursday, May 18, at 6 p.m.About: The Hauler Parade will feature an impressive fleet of NASCAR Cup Series haulers as they make their way through the streets of Wilkes County. Fans will get an up-close and personal look at the vehicles and their favorite drivers’ race cars and equipment as they make their way to the North Wilkesboro Speedway for the NASCAR All-Star Race.Where: The Hauler Parade will wind through the towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro on the way to North Wilkesboro Speedway.Fan Fest in the 'BorosWhen: Thursday, May 18, from 4-10 p.m.About: The towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro will hold Fan Fest, including concerts, food, family-friendly activities, NASCAR driver appearances, and a firework show for all race fans!Fan Fest in the 'Boros in WilkesboroThe town of Wilkesboro’s activities will be hosted in and around the Carolina West Wireless Community Commons and the Heritage Square, in addition to performances on the Wilkes Communications Pavilion located at 102 West Main Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilkesboro. More details are here.SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:Performance Schedule 4-10 p.m.4 p.m. – Presley Barker6 p.m. – Alex Key8 p.m. – The Georgia ThunderboltsFan Fest in the Boro in North WilkesboroThe town of North Wilkesboro’s activities will be hosted in and around the Yadkin Valley Marketplace on CBD Loop at 842 CBD Loop, North Wilkesboro. Activities will include a pit stop challenge, virtual racing simulators, RC racing, Ferris wheel, and other family-friendly attractions.SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:4 p.m. – Speedway Children’s Charities Cornhole Tournament presented by Wilkes Custom Printing5-7:15 p.m. – Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders8-10 p.m. – Neon Moon: The Ultimate 90’s Country BandEVENT PARKINGFans interested in attending Fan Fest, Hauler Parade, concerts, and driver appearances are welcome to park in the parking lots located at the Wilkes County Courthouse in Wilkesboro and multiple public parking lots in downtown North Wilkesboro with shuttle rides provided by The WTA, stopping in both Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro.Those in need of ADA parking may park at the Wilkes County Courthouse adjacent to the shuttle stop in Wilkesboro or in the parking lot adjacent to the Yadkin Valley Marketplace, both of which are conveniently located next to a Fan Fest shuttle stop.North Wilkesboro Speedway Open HouseWhen: Wednesday, May 10, from 5-9 p.m.About: Racing fans are invited to a free open house to check out all the renovations made to the North Wilkesboro Speedway. Fans will be able to walk around the infield and on the .625-mile track. Drivers including Matt DiBenedetto, Christian Eckes and Spencer Boyd and legendary former NASCAR crew chief Jeff Hammond will make appearances. Fans will also want to make sure to take advantage of a rare opportunity to have their photo taken in North Wilkesboro Speedway’s historic Victory Lane during the Open House. There will be special grandstand dedications, music, food trucks, souvenir stands with official North Wilkesboro Speedway and NASCAR All-Star Race merchandise, plus tickets on sale for all All-Star Race week events. The night will end with a music-to-lights show.SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:4 p.m. Parking lots open5 p.m. Event grand opening with pace car entrance5:30 p.m. Pictures in Victory Lane with a donation to Speedway Children’s Charities5:45 p.m. Autographs available7 p.m. Grandstand dedications8:15 p.m. Light show with the new Musco track-lighting system9 p.m. Event concludesEVENT PARKINGParking will be available on the backstretch in Lot 4. Please utilize the WAZE way-finding app and enter the following address: 3337 Fishing Creek Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.SCC North Wilkesboro Speedway Track WalkWhen: Friday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.About: Join Speedway Children’s Charities to kick off All-Star Race Weekend by taking part in the SCC Track Walk. You'll experience the original track surface at North Wilkesboro Speedway as you walk a lap around the historic track.Registration: $25 per adult, and children 12 years and under are free with a paid adult.Sign-up for the walk: SCC NWS Track Walk RegistrationBootleggers Golf TournamentWhen: Monday, May 15, at 10:30 a.m.Speedway Children’s Charities will host the Speedway Children’s Charities Bootleggers Cup. The tournament is a four-person, captain’s choice scramble. Each participant will be treated to a delicious lunch and a special gift bag. The winning team will receive four tickets to the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway!Where: Oakwoods Country Club, 541 Clubhouse Road, WilkesboroRegistration will open at 9 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10:30 a.m.Get the registration packet here.Charity Cornhole TournamentWhen: Thursday, May 18 at 6 p.m.Join Speedway Children’s Charities and Wilkes County to kick off All-Star Race Weekend with our SCC Charity Cornhole Tournament. Grab a partner and register today. The winning team wins tickets to the All-Star Race!Register here for the Charity Cornhole Tournament.Race Event Parking Race Coverage

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. —

There are lots of events for race fans taking place leading up to the NASCAR All-Star Race weekend, which will be held May 19-21 at the North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Check out all the events, including a Hauler Parade, Fan Fest in the 'Boros and more, like charity events.

Want more? We've got you covered: Check out the NASCAR All-Star Race Guide: Parking, shuttles, fan events, charity events, accommodations and lots more.

FAN EVENTS

NASCAR Hauler Parade

When: Thursday, May 18, at 6 p.m.

About: The Hauler Parade will feature an impressive fleet of NASCAR Cup Series haulers as they make their way through the streets of Wilkes County. Fans will get an up-close and personal look at the vehicles and their favorite drivers’ race cars and equipment as they make their way to the North Wilkesboro Speedway for the NASCAR All-Star Race.

Where: The Hauler Parade will wind through the towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro on the way to North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Fan Fest in the 'Boros

When: Thursday, May 18, from 4-10 p.m.

About: The towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro will hold Fan Fest, including concerts, food, family-friendly activities, NASCAR driver appearances, and a firework show for all race fans!

Fan Fest in the 'Boros in Wilkesboro

The town of Wilkesboro’s activities will be hosted in and around the Carolina West Wireless Community Commons and the Heritage Square, in addition to performances on the Wilkes Communications Pavilion located at 102 West Main Street in the heart of Historic Downtown Wilkesboro. More details are here.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Performance Schedule 4-10 p.m.
4 p.m. – Presley Barker
6 p.m. – Alex Key
8 p.m. – The Georgia Thunderbolts

Fan Fest in the Boro in North Wilkesboro

The town of North Wilkesboro’s activities will be hosted in and around the Yadkin Valley Marketplace on CBD Loop at 842 CBD Loop, North Wilkesboro. Activities will include a pit stop challenge, virtual racing simulators, RC racing, Ferris wheel, and other family-friendly attractions.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

4 p.m. – Speedway Children’s Charities Cornhole Tournament presented by Wilkes Custom Printing
5-7:15 p.m. – Cody Ikerd and the Sidewinders
8-10 p.m. – Neon Moon: The Ultimate 90’s Country Band

EVENT PARKING

Fans interested in attending Fan Fest, Hauler Parade, concerts, and driver appearances are welcome to park in the parking lots located at the Wilkes County Courthouse in Wilkesboro and multiple public parking lots in downtown North Wilkesboro with shuttle rides provided by The WTA, stopping in both Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro.

Those in need of ADA parking may park at the Wilkes County Courthouse adjacent to the shuttle stop in Wilkesboro or in the parking lot adjacent to the Yadkin Valley Marketplace, both of which are conveniently located next to a Fan Fest shuttle stop.

North Wilkesboro Speedway Open House

When: Wednesday, May 10, from 5-9 p.m.

About: Racing fans are invited to a free open house to check out all the renovations made to the North Wilkesboro Speedway. Fans will be able to walk around the infield and on the .625-mile track. Drivers including Matt DiBenedetto, Christian Eckes and Spencer Boyd and legendary former NASCAR crew chief Jeff Hammond will make appearances. Fans will also want to make sure to take advantage of a rare opportunity to have their photo taken in North Wilkesboro Speedway’s historic Victory Lane during the Open House. There will be special grandstand dedications, music, food trucks, souvenir stands with official North Wilkesboro Speedway and NASCAR All-Star Race merchandise, plus tickets on sale for all All-Star Race week events. The night will end with a music-to-lights show.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

4 p.m. Parking lots open
5 p.m. Event grand opening with pace car entrance
5:30 p.m. Pictures in Victory Lane with a donation to Speedway Children’s Charities
5:45 p.m. Autographs available
7 p.m. Grandstand dedications
8:15 p.m. Light show with the new Musco track-lighting system
9 p.m. Event concludes

EVENT PARKING

Parking will be available on the backstretch in Lot 4. Please utilize the WAZE way-finding app and enter the following address: 3337 Fishing Creek Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

SCC North Wilkesboro Speedway Track Walk

When: Friday, May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

About: Join Speedway Children’s Charities to kick off All-Star Race Weekend by taking part in the SCC Track Walk. You'll experience the original track surface at North Wilkesboro Speedway as you walk a lap around the historic track.

Registration: $25 per adult, and children 12 years and under are free with a paid adult.

Sign-up for the walk: SCC NWS Track Walk Registration

Bootleggers Golf Tournament

When: Monday, May 15, at 10:30 a.m.

Speedway Children’s Charities will host the Speedway Children’s Charities Bootleggers Cup. The tournament is a four-person, captain’s choice scramble. Each participant will be treated to a delicious lunch and a special gift bag. The winning team will receive four tickets to the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway!

Where: Oakwoods Country Club, 541 Clubhouse Road, Wilkesboro

Registration will open at 9 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10:30 a.m.

Get the registration packet here.

Charity Cornhole Tournament

When: Thursday, May 18 at 6 p.m.

Join Speedway Children’s Charities and Wilkes County to kick off All-Star Race Weekend with our SCC Charity Cornhole Tournament. Grab a partner and register today. The winning team wins tickets to the All-Star Race!

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NASCAR All-Star Race: Guide of events for every race fan

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