Nbasler24

There's really only been one person in the NASCAR community that has truly put forth an effort to make this Fairgrounds Speedway project work. That's Marcus Smith with SMI. His company now owns the speedway in Lebanon/Gladeville and his personal renovation/revival efforts are now focused on North Wilkesboro for the foreseeable future. I just don't see everything coming together for this project.

I'm curious how today's announcement regarding North Wilkesboro Speedway affects the talks between SMI, NASCAR, and the city. The speedway, which has largely sat unused and untouched since it last hosted a race in 1996, is back on the NASCAR schedule next year and hosting the All-Star Race. Even with some minor renovations in 2021 and 2022 to make the track operable again for racing last month, I would argue that the North Wilkesboro track is in much worse shape than current Fairgrounds Speedway. The infrastructure around the track is also worse. Very interested to see if SMI pulls the plug on Fairgrounds project to focus on fully bringing back North Wilkesboro. Local and state governments have been easier to work with as well (I believe NC General Assembly allocated $14M for infrastructure needs around the track in their most recent budget). This also makes sense why SMI has been so quiet lately re: Fairgrounds Speedway because getting this deal to the finish line would have been no small task and getting the track ready by next May is going to be a feat in and of itself. I personally think that Fairgrounds Speedway (and Nashville in general) is too good of an opportunity for NASCAR to pass up and if the renovation does come to fruition, they will make a spot on the NASCAR schedule. Most likely at the cost of the track in Lebanon. Only so many spots available on the NASCAR schedule and in no way will they add races to the current 38 (36 points races + 2 exhibition). No one (and I mean no one) in the NASCAR community truly thought that North Wilkesboro would host another Cup race, so there is hope!

Unfortunately both of those pictures are of last year’s race in June 2021.