NASCAR's All-Star Race Shifts Back to North Wilkesboro In 2027

North Wilkesboro Speedway, which hosted its first NASCAR Cup Series points race since 1996 this season, will move back to the All-Star Race venue in 2027.

Jul 19, 2026; North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA; Sun sets in turn four during the Window World 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

North Wilkesboro Speedway hosted a sold-out NASCAR Cup Series race in 2026, the track's first points-paying race since the 1996 season. Unfortunately, the track will not return with another NASCAR Cup Series points-paying race in 2027, as North Wilkesboro Speedway has been officially reassigned as the venue for the All-Star Race next season.

On Wednesday, Speedway Motorsports officially confirmed what fans of the legendary track had feared would occur for the 2027 campaign.

North Wilkesboro Speedway, which hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race in 2024 and 2025, will take over for Dover Motor Speedway, which will move back to a points-paying event in 2027.

“Thanks to Bruton Smith and Humpy Wheeler, ‘One Hot Night’ at Charlotte Motor Speedway was the first superspeedway NASCAR race under the lights, and that’s when I truly became a race fan,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “There was electricity in the air, and an entire generation of race fans was captivated by it. We’ve seen the same excitement amongst fans at North Wilkesboro every day and night we’ve been on track since re-opening. It’s a pilgrimage every NASCAR fan should take, and now we have the biggest race week ever to look forward to for 2027.”

According to a press release, NASCAR plans to coordinate with teams, the track, and drivers to add a unique element to the event, which could include adjustments to the race format or technical elements of the car.

“I’ve always considered All-Star the race of innovation,” added Smith. “It’s such a unique opportunity for the race teams, NASCAR, and the speedway to be bold, take some chances, have fun and just see what happens.”

While North Wilkesboro Speedway will lose its status as a NASCAR Cup Series points race facility in 2027, the track will host a triple-header NASCAR National Series race weekend next season as the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series will head to the iconic facility for the first time since 1985.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will kick off the race weekend on Friday, May 21. The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series event will take place on Saturday, May 22. And the NASCAR All-Star Race will round out the weekend on Sunday, May 23.

Ticket packages are available on North Wilkesboro Speedway's official website, or by calling 336-844-4735.