Window World 450 featuring the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series
For generations, North Wilkesboro Speedway has represented the heart of NASCAR. This summer, as the NASCAR Cup Series returns for the inaugural Window World 450—the first points-paying Cup Series race at the legendary short track in nearly three decades—the historic venue once again becomes the place where NASCAR’s past and present come together.
While longtime fans appreciate the speedway’s rich history, today’s drivers say North Wilkesboro offers something just as valuable for newcomers: an authentic NASCAR experience unlike any other. From the Sunday-night short-track atmosphere and passionate fanbase to three days of live entertainment and camping, the Window World 450 weekend captures everything that has made NASCAR a tradition for generations.
Here’s what NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 of Hyak Motorsports had to say about why North Wilkesboro remains one of the sport’s most special destinations. “North Wilkesboro, I think the history, and not being a points race in 30 years is something that you want to attend. Since we’ve been going back to North Wilkesboro, I look at everybody there is just enjoying the history of the racetrack and all the improvements that they’ve made throughout the facilities, around the campgrounds. It’s a great place for people to camp and just enjoy the history of the sport.”
Window World 450 Race Week Entertainment Schedule
Thursday, July 16
7:30 p.m. – NASCAR Cup Series Hauler Parade
• NASCAR Cup Series transporters depart Rivers Edge and travel through North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro before returning to Rivers Edge.
• Fans encouraged to line the streets and welcome NASCAR Cup teams to kick off race week.
Friday, July 17
1:30–2:15 p.m. – zMAX CARS Tour Driver Autograph Session
• Meet the full zMAX CARS Tour field at the Cracker Barrel Fan Stage at NWS before Friday night’s Spears Manufacturing 75 and Skyline National Bank 100.
Saturday, July 18
9:30–10:15 a.m. – NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Driver Autograph Session
• Meet the competitors for the FaithFest 250 presented by Mercer Transportation at the Cracker Barrel Fan Stage in the NWS Fan Zone.
7:45–8:45 p.m. – Trackside Live in Wilkesboro
(Downtown
Community Commons Park, 102 W. Main St., Wilkesboro)
• Interactive fan show featuring NASCAR personalities and special guests.
• Scheduled appearances include Ryan Preece, Noah Gragson and Kenny Wallace.
• Live concert by country music artist Tim Dugger.
• Free opportunity for fans to experience race weekend in downtown Wilkesboro while supporting local businesses.
Sunday, July 19
3:45–4:45 p.m. – Trackside Live at NWS
Speedway Experience presented by Cracker Barrel
Drivers scheduled to appear:
• Chase Briscoe
• Ty Gibbs
• Austin Cindric
• NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Rusty Wallace
• Ryan Blaney
• Joey Logano
5 p.m. – Sawyer Brown Pre-Race Concert presented by Raymer Oil
• Legendary ‘90s era country music band performs on the frontstretch
• Fans can upgrade to stage-front access by purchasing a pre-race track pass
On the track, the famed .625-mile North Wilkesboro Speedway oval comes alive with a zMAX CARS Tour doubleheader on Friday night, the FaithFest 250 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race on Saturday and the Window World 450 featuring the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday.
TICKETS:
Window World 450 tickets, camping and race-day upgrades – including Pre-Race Track Passes – can be purchased online at www.northwilkesborospeedway.com. Fans can also purchase tickets directly at Wilkes County IGA Fairvalue Marketplace or Raymer Oil locations with no online taxes or fees.