By Logan Morris
As time progresses, we are gaining more information about the 2024 NASCAR Schedule. Just recently, it was announced on Thursday that North Wilkesboro Speedway would once again host NASCAR's All-Star Race for the second consecutive season in 2024. While this announcement has generated some groans from parts of the fanbase, it's essential to remember that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Personally, I'm thrilled by this announcement and I’m hopeful for similar decisions in the future.
NASCAR, more than any other sport perhaps, constantly undergoes change. This has become increasingly evident over the past two to three decades. Teams go out of business or merge, drivers retire, and even the way the championship is decided has changed multiple times. Whether these changes are good or bad is a matter of debate, but many long-time fans have felt somewhat neglected by NASCAR in recent memory. The return of North Wilkesboro is an olive branch extended to those fans, and I believe NASCAR should do more of this.
Returning to the concerns voiced by some segments of the fanbase, it's true that not everyone is thrilled about North Wilkesboro being back on the schedule for 2024. Some fans expressed dissatisfaction with this year's race, and to be honest, I shared some of those sentiments. To refresh your memory, Kyle Larson dominated the race in a manner reminiscent of the days of Richard Petty or Darrell Waltrip. For me, it wasn't an enjoyable watch. However, I'm still excited about its return for various reasons.
The old-school NASCAR fanbase deserves to have their moment. They've witnessed significant changes and will continue to do so. While I appreciate that every sport evolves, and I believe some of NASCAR's recent changes are fantastic, it's worth noting that the average age of a NASCAR fan, according to Sports Business Journal, is pushing 60. There's nothing wrong with catering to that segment of the fanbase a few nights a year. No one will love every race; for instance, not everyone is a fan of road courses, yet NASCAR has added more of them to the schedule in recent years for those who enjoy them. NASCAR should strive to appeal to as many fans as possible, including the old-school fans. North Wilkesboro is for them, and NASCAR should make more decisions catering to these long-time supporters.
It's important to remember that just because this year's All-Star Race left much to be desired doesn't mean next year's will follow suit. With the introduction of a new car, it takes time to figure out what works and what doesn't. Additionally, this was the first Cup race at North Wilkesboro since 1996, and there aren't many names left in the sport that had true success at the track, let alone still compete. Let's give it more than one chance to prove itself, especially at a track that's deeply rooted in NASCAR's history. We've given tracks with far less pedigree more opportunities to improve the racing.
Once again, I understand that sports must evolve, but as NASCAR celebrates its 75th year, it should recommit itself to preserving some of that history in the modern-day series. There are plenty of dates available on the calendar, and North Wilkesboro should have a guaranteed spot for at least the next five years to give it every opportunity to produce the best race possible in this era. In the same vein, I believe NASCAR should add Rockingham Speedway to the schedule as soon as possible. Without NASCAR's foundation, we wouldn't be celebrating 75 years this season. NASCAR has the capability to construct a schedule that appeals to everyone, and that should be the goal.
Let's have road courses, superspeedways, short tracks, and even a dirt race on the schedule. NASCAR should continue to innovate, as seen with the Chicago Street Course. However, it needs to strike a better balance between catering to new interests and preserving old traditions. NASCAR's fan base has diverse interests, and while it's not an easy task, they can do better. This season, which was promised to be a tribute to the sport's history, has hardly mentioned the 75-year history since this year's All-Star Race. I'm not suggesting that NASCAR should abandon its push for diversity or cater solely to the old-school fans with every decision. It shouldn't. But, it would be insulting to deny that fanbase a race or two each season that is specifically marketed towards them. Loyalty goes both ways, and these fans have remained steadfast through all the changes.
Tracks like North Wilkesboro should be a thank-you gesture to them, an acknowledgment by NASCAR that they still value the fans who have stood by them for so long. North Wilkesboro should be a celebration of the history and tradition upon which the sport was founded. It goes beyond just a race; it evokes memories of legends like Fireball Roberts, Lee Petty, and Junior Johnson. The term "hallowed halls" doesn't do it justice. Lastly, we've seen this year how much the track's return means to the community and the sport. NASCAR is doing the right thing by bringing it back. Hopefully, this marks a bridge to embracing more tradition and ensuring it never fades away again.