Kyle Larson says NASCAR Cup Series being back at North Wilkesboro is 'pretty amazing'

NASCAR at North Wilkesboro News Friday, July 17, 2026 at 8:59 AM ET •By Simmey Hannifin Donaldson

NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is excited to be back at North Wilkesboro Speedway this weekend, saying it's 'pretty amazing' for there to be a points race at the venue.

Although the Cup Series stars have raced there since 2023, that was for the All-Star Race exhibition, with full points up for grabs this time around and at a crucial stage of the year with just six regular-season races remaining.

As such, it will be the first points-paying race at the 0.625-mile since September 1996, when Jeff Gordon won for Hendrick Motorsports, beating Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jarrett on that occasion.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Larson has revealed his excitement at being back at what he calls the best short track on the schedule, and that he thinks it's great to have a points race here this year.

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Kyle Larson on Cup Series return to North Wilkesboro

“[North Wilkesboro] is close to home; it’s basically a home race for all of us, so I look forward to it," Larson said ahead of this weekend's action. "I really believe it’s probably the best short track we have on our schedule.

"I guess turns one and two are a little more downhill, a little shapier and more diamond-like because the momentum is carrying you into the corner. Then turns three and four are more about following the radius.

"I think that uniqueness is what makes it fun because your car doesn’t quite handle perfectly there, and it’s got progressive banking. So, it’s a cool track with a lot of history, and I’m just excited that it’s on the schedule.

"It was great when it was just the All-Star Race, but now to have a points-paying race at North Wilkesboro is pretty amazing.

"I feel like it’s one of the racier short tracks and one of the easier ones to pass on. Not that it’s easy, but it’s easier than most. So, I think it should be a great race. I hope the crowd enjoys it, and we can find ourselves toward the front.”