SAD NEWS: Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer and longtime advocate for racing’s roots, is once again stepping u

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer and longtime advocate for racing’s roots, is once again stepping up to protect a vital piece of stock car history—North Wilkesboro Speedway. Nestled in North Carolina’s Brushy Mountains, this legendary track was once the proving ground for countless NASCAR icons, including Earnhardt’s own father, Dale Sr. Though it fell into abandonment after its last Cup Series race in 1996, Earnhardt Jr.’s grassroots cleanup effort in 2019 reignited interest in the speedway, leading to its celebrated return for the 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race.

Now, the battle continues—not to save the track from decay, but to preserve its soul. As discussions mount around repaving its aging 1981 surface to meet modern race standards, Earnhardt Jr. is urging decision-makers to retain its gritty character. To him, the cracked asphalt tells a story—a tangible link to NASCAR’s golden age. By resisting full modernization, he hopes to maintain the track’s authenticity, giving drivers and fans a visceral connection to the sport’s past.

Using his platform on social media, Earnhardt Jr. passionately reminds the NASCAR community that progress doesn’t have to mean erasing history. His efforts are more than nostalgia—they’re about honoring a place where legends were born and ensuring future generations can experience the raw, unfiltered thrill of grassroots racing. For Earnhardt Jr., North Wilkesboro isn’t just a track—it’s a symbol of where NASCAR came from, and where its heart still lies.