For NASCAR, maintaining iconic tracks has never looked like a priority until recent times. Most notably, the Bowman Gray Stadium recently got revived for Cup Series competition after 54 years. While there are tons of tracks that have closed down or been neglected, this news comes as a breath of fresh air. The Kingsport Speedway had been fighting for approval and finally, they have got their way.
Known primarily for local racing and keeping up with the community traditions, deep in the heart of Tennessee, Kingsport Speedway stands as a true gem for motorsports fans. With a legacy built on roaring engines and fierce competition, this storied track continues to be a cornerstone of racing tradition. Following the track’s long-awaited NASCAR accreditation, even Dale Earnhardt Jr. took to X to celebrate the milestone!
From Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s CARS Tour to NASCAR
The inception of the Speedway was laid out in 1955 and this was when it functioned majorly as a dirt track. By the late 1960s, the dirt surface was replaced with asphalt, a big change. The direct impact was that it did improve the experience for both racers as well as the audience. Over the years, Kingsport Speedway has been home to countless thrilling battles, breathtaking finishes, and dramatic crashes that have captivated fans and racers alike.
The thrill of the Speedway comes from the advancements it has included continuously without hampering the traditional racing experience. Kingsport Speedway has officially earned NASCAR sanctioning for the 2025 Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series. Announcing the same, the official page took to X and posted, “We are excited to announce that Kingsport Speedway is now officially #NASCAR Sanctioned for the 2025 Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series. Avoid the rush at the track and head over to https://license.nascar.com to renew your license or apply for a new license for the 2025 season”. The news brings great excitement for all the track locale and fans. Harping on the perils that the track team has put up, Dale Earnhardt Jr. also expressed his goodwill. He wrote, “Good to see this. They’ve fought hard over the years to thrive”.
It’s no surprise that Dale Earnhardt Jr. is aware and appreciative of the journey this track has been through. Jr. himself was involved in restoring iconic tracks, notably North Wilkesboro Speedway, which hosts the Cup Series All-Star race now. Kingsport Speedway’s connection with Dale Jr. stems from the CARS Tour which is a Late Model series he owns. Kingsport Speedway has hosted CARS Tour events in the past, and the official X page even replied to Jr.’s tweet with, “ would be happy to host another @CARSTour event in future.”
However, with this sanctioning, it is not the first time that the track will witness a NASCAR race. The Kingsport 300, a NASCAR Winston Cup Series event, was held on May 23, 1971, at Kingsport Speedway in Kingsport, Tennessee. The race featured 25 drivers, with 13 failing to finish. Bill Hollar dropped out on the first lap due to a clutch issue. NASCAR legend, Richard Childress was involved in a fire and D.K. Ulrich crashed out. Bobby Isaac, with crew chief Harry Hyde, won the race after 300 laps. He defeated Elmo Langley, with Isaac securing the pole position at 75.167 mph.
Good to see this. They’ve fought hard over the years to thrive. https://t.co/AqT1LXGja1
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 1, 2025
The Kingsport Speedway has kept up with the times and there have been changes with modern-day safety additions as well. The track has also included enough changes for technical advancements to ensure that the racing experience is much better. Yet, through all these changes, it has remained a beacon of grassroots racing, preserving the essence of what makes short-track racing so special.
Fans cannot wait to experience the high-octane speed at Kingsport
The Kingsport Speedway has managed to become quite popular among fans as well. With the announcement of the track to host NASCAR events, there was widespread positivity among the community. Responding to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s post, a fan turned nostalgic. The comment read, “Me too! That’s my hometown track”. Kingsport is not the only track that had an unsure fate. Another track that has been stuck in the same way is the Greenville Pickens Speedway. While this one was sanctioned by NASCAR, there were plans to demolish Greenville Pickens Speedway. Citing the same a fan posted, “I’m really hopeful that this happens to @GPSspeedway1 too. @NASCAR doesn’t need to let this historic half-mile track go by the wayside”.
This is one of the short tracks which has become quite popular and regaining the status is an achievement. A fan commented, “The return of small tracks!”. The local tracks have always resonated for fans and the coming back of the Kingsport Speedway is indeed monumental for communities. A fan hinted at the same emotion and commented, “So happy to see one of my local tracks is NASCAR sanctioned, proud for @KpSpeedway!”.
The surroundings of the track are also quite exquisite. Such is the structure that it is nestled inside a hilly location. Talking about the beauty of the track, a fan commented, “I love how it’s incorporated into that hill. Would like to go one day”. As Kingsport Speedway roars back into the NASCAR fold, it’s clear that this revival isn’t just about racing—it’s about rekindling the heart and soul of motorsports for generations of fans.
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