Everything You Need to Know: NASCAR Returns to North Wilkesboro for a Loaded Four-Race Weekend

One of the biggest weekends on the short-track calendar has arrived.

For the first time since 1996, the NASCAR Cup Series returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway for a championship points race with Sunday’s Window World 450, headlining a four-race showcase that also includes the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and a Friday night zMAX CARS Tour doubleheader.

Throw in one of the deepest Truck Series fields of the season and some of the country’s best Late Model Stock and Pro Late Model drivers, and race fans are in for an unforgettable weekend.

Whether you’re a diehard NASCAR fan or simply love short-track racing, there’s something for everyone.

Weekend Schedule (All Times Eastern)

Friday, July 17

zMAX CARS Tour

• Truck Series Practice – 2 p.m. (FS2)
• Truck Series Qualifying – 3:05 p.m.
• Pro Late Model Spears Manufacturing 75 – 6 p.m.
• Late Model Stock Skyline National Bank 100 – 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 18

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

• FaithFest 250
• Green Flag – 12:30 p.m. ET
• TV – FS1
• Radio – MRN Radio / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

NASCAR Cup Series

• Practice – 5 p.m.
• Qualifying – 6:10 p.m.
• TV – truTV / HBO Max

Sunday, July 19

NASCAR Cup Series

• Window World 450
• Green Flag – 7 p.m. ET (approximately 7:14 p.m.)
• TV – TNT Sports
• Radio – PRN Radio / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

The Biggest Story: Points Racing Returns

North Wilkesboro’s return has already become one of NASCAR’s greatest modern success stories.

After sitting dormant for decades, the historic short track returned to the schedule in 2023 with the NASCAR All-Star Race. Fans watched Kyle Larson win on the original pavement before the speedway received a long-awaited repave. Joey Logano captured the All-Star Race in 2024, and Christopher Bell added another victory on the new surface in 2025 as the asphalt began to age and widen into multiple grooves.

Now comes the moment fans have waited three decades to see.

The Cup Series is finally racing for points again at North Wilkesboro.

Cup Series Favorites

Christopher Bell

Bell enters the weekend as one of the clear favorites.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver won last year’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro and remains one of NASCAR’s premier short-track racers. His smooth driving style has translated well to the evolving surface, making him an obvious contender Sunday night.

Kyle Larson

Few drivers have logged more laps than Larson this week.

After racing four consecutive days on dirt—including High Limit and World of Outlaws competition—Larson finally gets a chance to recharge before climbing back into the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.

That’s probably not a bad thing.

Larson won the first All-Star Race on North Wilkesboro’s original pavement in 2023, plus the truck race that year and remains one of the sport’s best at adapting to changing track conditions.

Denny Hamlin

The regular-season points leader arrives carrying momentum and plenty of confidence.

Hamlin has consistently been one of NASCAR’s strongest short-track performers throughout his career and knows every point matters with the Chase quickly approaching.

Chase Elliott

Fresh off another strong run, Elliott always seems to elevate his performance on traditional short tracks.

His consistency this season has kept him firmly in the championship conversation, and another deep run wouldn’t surprise anyone.

Keep an eye on last week’s winner, Ryan Blaney and of course Joey Logano as well. The Penske teammates are usually pretty good at flatter ovals and carrying some momentum up to Ol’ Wilkesboro this weekend.

Truck Series Favorites

Saturday’s FaithFest 250 may feature the strongest Truck Series field of the year.

Cup stars Chase Elliott, Christopher Bell, Carson Hocevar and Shane van Gisbergen all enter the race alongside San Diego winner Corey Heim, creating a field that feels more like an all-star event than a typical Truck Series race.

Then there’s Landon Huffman.

The renowned Hickory short-track standout returns to one of racing’s most historic venues with plenty of hometown support. Huffman has built a reputation as one of the Southeast’s premier Late Model racers, and this weekend provides another opportunity to showcase his talent on a national stage.

History says Corey Heim deserves plenty of attention.

Since North Wilkesboro returned in 2023, Truck Series winners have included Kyle Larson, Corey Heim and Chandler Smith.

With Heim back in the field alongside several Cup regulars, Saturday’s race could be one of the best Truck events of the season.

Don’t Overlook Friday Night

Before NASCAR even takes the track, some of the country’s best grassroots racers will battle Friday night.

The zMAX CARS Tour returns with both Pro Late Model and Late Model Stock features, continuing one of the strongest touring short-track series in America.

Many of tomorrow’s NASCAR stars are competing—or have competed—in these races, making Friday one of the most underrated nights of the weekend.

A Weekend Built for Race Fans

Few weekends offer this much variety.

Two premier CARS Tour races.

A loaded Truck Series field packed with Cup stars.

The first NASCAR Cup points race at North Wilkesboro in 30 years.

And one of the sport’s most beloved venues serving as the backdrop.

North Wilkesboro’s revival has felt like something straight out of a Hollywood script.

Now, the next chapter begins.

Buckle up.

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