North Wilkesboro Speedway

North Wilkesboro Speedway is a paved oval circuit just over half a mile long set in the Brushy Mountains of Wilkes County. The backstretch climbs uphill while the frontstretch descends, creating a track with changing elevation.

The circuit opened on May 18, 1947, when Enoch Staley and his partners built it for regional competitions. Over the decades it grew into an important venue in American motorsport.

The circuit developed from local moonshine traditions, where skilled drivers once transported untaxed spirits through mountain roads. These roots still shape how residents connect with motorsport today.

The facility holds around 25,000 spectators and sits on hilly terrain that offers good viewing angles. An online shop sells racing apparel and commemorative items.

The track surface has different elevations with a drop of about 19 meters (61 feet) between the front and back stretches. This gradient affects how cars accelerate and brake during races.

Location: North Carolina

Inception: May 18, 1947

Website: https://northwilkesborospeedway.com

GPS coordinates: 36.14222,-81.07250

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:43