Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn't see North Wilkesboro event as a 'one-and done'

May 8, 2021; Darlington, SC, USA; Former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits in the restored 1984 Chevy Nova driven by his father the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. on pit road prior to the Steakhouse Elite 200 at Darlington Raceway. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn't see NASCAR's North Wilkesboro event as a 'one-and done'

By Randy Smith | Last updated 9/9/22

With NASCAR's return to North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway, many wonder what the track has in store beyond the All-Star Race in 2023. However, Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. sees the track as a staple in the sport for the foreseeable future.

“There’s no way that they put this type of effort in for a one-and-done. This means that I believe we’ll be racing at North Wilkesboro on into the future.” said Earnhardt Jr. in an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

“There’s no way that they put this type of effort in for a 1 and done. This means that I believe we’ll be racing at North Wilkesboro on into the future.”

️ @DaleJr talks about giving more energy to the #NASCAR All-Star Race & what he sees for @NWBSpeedway beyond that event. pic.twitter.com/8pkQmGwIul
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 8, 2022

NASCAR has not raced at the historic track since 1996.

With fans and drivers rejoicing for the track's return for a one-off event, it's becoming clear that the hype regarding North Wilkesboro will stay beyond 2023.

Short-track racing has always been the sport's go-to style of racing since its inception, and North Wilkesboro complements it. The once-abandoned racetrack seems to have found new life.

“I’m nervous about going there and knowing whether we can compete, but it really doesn’t matter in the end,” Earnhardt Jr. told NBC Sports. “I just want to cross the finish line and drink a cold beer.”

More must-reads: