Fans from 43 states and nine foreign countries were part of a sellout crowd for the 41st running of the NASCAR All-Star Race at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, stated a press release from Speedway Motorsports, owner of the historic venue.
“For the third straight year, we’ve had tremendous support from fans not only in North Carolina but around the world who are captivated by the return of North Wilkesboro Speedway to the NASCAR circuit,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith.
“Like Lambeau Field to football and Fenway Park to baseball, North Wilkesboro Speedway has become America’s throwback racetrack.
“We’re incredibly thankful for every race fan who supports North Wilkesboro Speedway and are blessed to host the NASCAR All-Star Race.
The North Wilkesboro Speedway has capacity for over 25,000 people.
First Sgt. Robert E. Baker, in charge of Wilkesboro-based District F2 of the N.C. State Highway Patrol, said the traffic flow in the speedway area before after the race Sunday and at other times last week went very well.
Baker said the new pedestrian bridge over U.S. 421 between the speedway and a a 50-acre field used for parking made a huge difference by allowing both lanes of Fishing Creek Road to remain open and flowing in both directions.
In the past, traffic on the two-lane was reduced to one lane and even completely halted at times where it crossed U.S. 421 for safety of race fans walking across the overpass bridge.
Construction of the pedestrian bridge nearby resulted in people not having to walk across the overpass bridge.