May 17, 2022 – Doug Rice, President of the Performance Racing Network, welcomed the group to the 75th Anniversary of the North Wilkesboro Speedway- which originally opened on May 18th, 1947 with a Dirt Modified race. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, State Officials, Speedway Motorsports Representatives and Community Leaders were in attendance at this event in 2022 celebrating the future of the facility. Marcus Smith of Speedway Motorsports spoke to the group about his excitement for the revitalization of the speedway. He stated that the overwhelming local effort supporting this effort was a real testament to an amazing community. In 2020 Smith had a conversation with racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. about getting the speedway onto the I-Racing network, which was once again supported by local efforts. These things came together to spark an initiative to bring back the North Wilkesboro Speedway, an effort which snowballed after the announcement from Governor Cooper designating funds to infrastructure improvements at the facility. Plans for the speedway include restoration that keeps the historical flair intact.
Then, Secretary Reid Wilson of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Affairs made an announcement about plans for a Moonshine and Motorsports Trail in North Carolina. The trail will help preserve motorsports and distilling culture, while promoting businesses currently in those industries. The department will partner with many organization across the state during this initiative. The trail is set to be launched in January of 2023, which is officially ‘The Year of the Trail’ in North Carolina.
Governor Roy Cooper excitedly spoke about the rejuvenation of the Speedway and seeing the project come to fruition. Investing in the speedways and dragways across the state was planned in the revitalization efforts for the state’s economy and tourism after COVID. He recognized the efforts of everyone involved both on a local and state level, including the Wilkes Economic Development team who worked with the state budget office on this project months before its announcement. ‘We Got You Back’ rang loudly across the crowd before Governor Cooper was presented with a personalized one-of-a-kind retro racing jacket by Marcus Smith.
On May 18th, 2022 the public is welcome to come to the North Wilkesboro Speedway for a 75th Anniversary celebration.
For full video of this presentation, please click here.