Posted on 05/17/2023 4:34:11 PM PDT by mabarker1
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — Among the list of things former NASCAR driver and television broadcaster Benny Parsons asked his wife to do prior to his death in January 2007 was to try to get North Wilkesboro Speedway to reopen for NASCAR racing.
It took more than 16 years to get it done, but Terri Parsons — along with many others — can celebrate that achievement this week.
The NASCAR All-Star Race this weekend will be the first NASCAR race at the historic 0.625-mile oval since 1996.
The track was the place that nurtured the love of racing for the Parsons family, just like hundreds of families in the area.
Speedway Motorsports, sparked by interest from its CEO Marcus Smith and famed NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and with the help of an American Rescue Plan grant that contributed $14 million of the $18 million renovation project, decided last year to bring the all-star race to the track as part of NASCAR's 75th anniversary celebration.
Terri Parsons, following the dedication of a grandstand that honors Benny Parsons, said she never lost faith.
"There was never a day I didn't think this would happen," Parsons said. "I didn't think it would happen this soon. But I've got 17 years into this — do you think I would have waited that long to decide nothing was going to happen?"
(Excerpt) Read more at foxsports.com ...
IMSA Lamborghini Super Trofeo...
Good race.
On in a few:
10:30am-12:30pm (5/13) CNBC IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Laguna Seca
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