All Star weekend is always something special for NASCAR.  The cars have special paint schemes, there are numerous special events surrounding the race itself, and the pit crews get some special recognition of their own.

The 2023 edition of the NASCAR All Star Race is shaping up to be something very special indeed.  Not only is it a part of NASCAR’s 75th anniversary; but the race itself returns to a historic track at North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

A forgotten track that had grown over and was dilapidated, but has now been reconstructed and saw the first vehicles on the track since 1996 when the Craftsman Truck Series did some testing recently.

As the May 21 date for the annual All Star game approaches, North Wilkesboro has tapped into its iconic history for the Grand Marshall’s of the All Star race. 

The winningest drivers in North Wilkesboro history – “The King” Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip will serve as joint Grand Marshall’s for the race.

Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith spoke on racing at North Wilkesboro saying, “returning to North Wilkesboro Speedway during NASCAR’s 75th anniversary season will be the most nostalgic highlight of a year where we remember the past by paying tribute in the present.  We are honored to recognize and celebrate two true icons of NASCAR’s history, Richard Petty and Darrell Waltrip, during an All-Star Race weekend that will feature the rebirth of one of our sport’s original race tracks.”

Fifteen of Petty’s 200 Cup Series wins came at North Wilkesboro; with Waltrip making 10 of his 84 wins at North Wilkesboro.

For many years the annual All Star Race preceded the longest race of the season at Charlotte Motor Speedway.  The first All Star Race was held in 1985 with Darrell Waltrip winning the race.

Waltrip has since retired from racing and working in the broadcast booth.  At 85, the seven time Cup Series champion Richard Petty is still a part of NASCAR as one of the owner of the Legacy Motor Club; along with the former GMS Racing and fellow seven time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.