Marcus Smith: North Wilkesboro has ‘lot of potential’

After NASCAR’s return to North Wilkesboro, Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith said North Wilkesboro on the SMI NASCAR schedule in 2024 is something he’s thinking about.

“I think that when you see a successful week of events like we’ve had here, it’s natural to think, ‘boy, maybe we could come back here,’ Smith said.

“I’m definitely thinking that way, that it’s got a lot of potential.”

The Cup Series returned to the ⅝-mile track for the first time since 1996.

The track was on the original schedule in 1949 and the series raced at the track twice a year for decades before being taken off the schedule.

“I think it’s a very important place for short track racing, the late model races, the modifieds, you name it,” Smith said. “It’s a special place. It’s like walking into a museum that’s active and living and very special for the competitors and the fans alike.”