In his inaugural role as the NASCAR All-Star Race Champion, Christopher Bell took a moment to celebrate the rejuvenated 78-year-old horse racing venue that delivered an unforgettable night race.
“Let’s go!” Bell shouted, igniting cheers from the crowd of 25,000 as North Wilkesboro Speedway made a strong case for hosting a Cup Series Points race on Sunday night.
“This is the best short track in NASCAR,” Bell proclaimed. “It’s absolutely phenomenal. It just keeps getting better. What a fantastic race!”
In its third hosting of the $1 million exhibition event, the Speedway set an All-Star race record with 18 Lead Changes and produced 59 Green Flag Passes.
Speedway Motorsports announced that all grandstand and premium hospitality seats sold out for the 41st All-Star Race, attracting fans from 43 states and nine countries to North Wilkesboro, located 80 miles north of Charlotte. Marcus Smith, president and CEO of SMI, stated, “Like soccer at Lambeau Field and baseball at Fenway Park, North Wilkesboro Speedway has become a beloved throwback racetrack in America.”
Bell was among several drivers expressing their desire to see their first Cup Series Points race in 30 years as NASCAR unveiled its 2026 schedule.
“I can’t understand why I don’t,” said Chase Elliott, a seven-time Most Popular Driver winner, after finishing fifth. “There’s so much potential for hosting. The crowd clearly embraces the idea, and if NASCAR decides to proceed, I’m all for it.”
Aside from a few minor league races between 2010-11, North Wilkesboro Speedway has been dormant since Jeff Gordon won the last Cup race on September 29, 1996. Federal funding from the U.S. rescue plan sparked the efforts that led to the 2023 All-Star Race Award.
The initial two All-Star races were lackluster, but the events at North Wilkesboro ignited excitement on Sunday. The 0.625-mile oval, revitalized last year, showcased multiple lanes, resulting in an electrifying 1,426 green flag passes that thrilled the packed grandstands.
“The fans are showing up,” Bell noted. “During driver introductions, the venue was totally full. We were in awe. More events like this are needed.”
Joe Gibbs remarked that his team celebrated their third All-Star race victory, with Bell joining previous winners Kyle Busch in 2015 and Denny Hamlin in 2017 to secure support from Smith and local stakeholders for potential point race considerations.
“I won’t make that call,” Gibbs stated. “However, the energy and enthusiasm surrounding this race and the crowd will certainly factor into it.”
Rivalry
After already facing a setback, runner-up Joey Logano struggled with Bell’s winning maneuver involving the No. 20 Toyota. Following contact, Logano’s No. 22 Ford headed into the outside wall during the final nine laps, and he vowed to get back at Bell if given the chance.
“I did all I could to block him, but he made his move and left me with no options,” Logano explained, having led 139 laps of the 250-lap race. “If roles were reversed, I would have retaliated too. It’s frustrating when the car is so fast and you can’t seal the deal. It stings a bit.”
Bell expressed confusion over Logano’s anger.
“I’ve faced him a few times, and he hasn’t made it easy for me,” Bell said. “I raced hard and took my shot when it came. I don’t think Joey did anything out of the ordinary; he’s seen worse. We’ll move forward.”
Noteworthy
A top-five finish from Ross Chastain, Alex Bowman, and Chase Elliott secured Chevrolet’s victory over Ford and Toyota in the first “maker showdown” of All-Star races based on overall results from each manufacturer. …John Edwards, the former PR manager for Kyle Larson who passed away last month, was honored by Fox’s NASCAR Broadcasting Team with the “Burnsey Award,” recognizing individuals who embody the values of preparation, teamwork, and family in memory of late broadcaster Steve Burns. Fox has been bestowing these honors since 2016.
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Source: apnews.com