North Wilkesboro Speedway is one of NASCAR’s most historic short tracks, and its inclusion in iRacing represents a major preservation of motorsport heritage. Located in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the 0.625-mile oval first opened in 1947 and hosted NASCAR Cup races until 1996, when it was removed from the schedule. After years of neglect, the track was revived in real life for grassroots events and NASCAR’s All-Star Race, while iRacing played a role in its digital resurrection.
Track Specs
- Length: 0.625 miles (1.01 km)
- Banking: 13° in the turns, 3° on the straights
- Surface: Asphalt
- Opened: 1947
Driving Tips
- Corner Entry: Braking control is essential. Entering too deep ruins exit speed.
- Throttle Patience: North Wilkesboro punishes early throttle. Smooth roll-on maximizes corner exit momentum.
- Passing Zones: Inside line into Turns 1 and 3 is the best opportunity, though contact is frequent.
- Tire Wear: As with many short tracks, overdriving quickly burns the right-front tire. Tire conservation wins long runs.
North Wilkesboro in iRacing is a technical short track that rewards rhythm, precision, and smart racecraft.
