The Charlotte Observer

NASCAR All-Star Race set at renovated North Wilkesboro track

- BY SHANE CONNUCK sconnuck@charlotteo­bserver.com Shane Connuck: @shane_connuck

North Wilkesboro is back.

The NASCAR Cup Series is holding its All-Star Race at the revitalize­d — and now, repaved — track in Wilkes County for the second straight year.

“Last year was very nostalgic, with the old pavement, the old track — and the place was completely packed,” Christophe­r Bell said. “That was awesome. It’s gonna feel a little bit different now with the repave, and honestly, last year’s notes are going to be completely irrelevant.

“It’s going to basically be a new track for us. Another new track.”

This year’s headlining event at the venue that hosted its first race in 1947 begins at 8 p.m. Sunday. But before that, there will be plenty of action at the famed race track — once again.

WHERE TO FIND TICKETS FOR NORTH WILKESBORO

Tickets for NASCAR’s All-Star race week can be purchased on North Wilkesboro Speedway’s website.

A three-day weekend package — for the NASCAR events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday — is available between $229 and $339, according to the website. There’s also a five-day week pass, between $259 and $369, that’ll get you in for the late model races earlier in the week as well.

Single-day tickets are an option as well. They start at $45 on Friday, $70 on Saturday and $145 for Cup race day on Sunday,

the website says.

GETTING TO NORTH WILKESBORO THIS WEEK

The North Carolina Department of Transporta­tion and State Highway Patrol recommend fans purchase parking in advance on North Wilkesboro Speedway’s website, then use the Waze app to find recommende­d routes to the track.

Fans commuting to North Wilkesboro from Interstate 77 North have two suggested routes:

Take Exit 65 for SR 901 at Union Grove, SR 901 North to SR 115 North, SR 115 North to US Hwy 421 East, and then follow NWS parking lot directions.

take Exit 73B to US Hwy 421 West, either Exit 276 Red White and Blue Road or Exit 277 Old US 421, then follow NWS parking lot

directions.

SCHEDULE OF THIS WEEK’S EVENTS AT NORTH WILKESBORO

Late models will be racing at the 0.625-mile track early this week. Pro Late Models (PLM) will practice at 11 a.m. Tuesday, qualify at 5 p.m. and run the Reverend 100 ZMax Cars Tour at 8:30 p.m. The Late Model Stock Cars (LMSC) are set to practice at 1 p.m. Wednesday, qualify at 5 p.m. and run the Window World 125 ZMax Cars Tour at 8:30 p.m.

Friday:

Truck Series practice is scheduled for 3:05 p.m.

The NASCAR Cup Series cars will hit the track for their practice at 4 p.m.

The new-look qualifying session and pit crew challenge kicks off the All-Star festivitie­s at 5:45 p.m.

Saturday:

Truck Series qualifying begins at 9:35 a.m.

NASCAR’s trucks will run the Wright Brand 250 — featuring stage breaks at Laps 70 and 140 during a 250-lap race — starting at 1:30 p.m.

The NASCAR Cup Series heat races begin at 7:20 p.m.

Sunday:

Gates and suites open at 1 p.m., and country music artists Warren Zeiders and Tim Dugger are scheduled to take the stage for pre-race concerts.

The All-Star Open — 100 laps — kicks off the big day of on-track action at 5:30 p.m.

The NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race, also 100 laps, starts at 8 p.m.

 ?? JIM DEDMON USA TODAY Sports ?? The NASCAR Cup Series’ All-Star Race returns to the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday.
JIM DEDMON USA TODAY Sports The NASCAR Cup Series’ All-Star Race returns to the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday.

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