BACK TO GALLERIES
Memorable moments at North Wilkesboro Speedway
By Staff Report | Published: May 4, 2020 6
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With news of the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series set to wrap up its season at the newly mapped North Wilkesboro Speedway, take a look back at some of the most memorable moments from the legendary track.
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Date: 10/1/1972
Race: Wilkes 400
Details: This race saw one of the wildest finishes in NASCAR history, with Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Bobby Allison slamming fenders over the final laps trying to win. Both cars were virtually destroyed as the race came to an end, with Allison's smoking. It was the peak of their rivalry.
In Victory Lane, a fan tried to attack Petty, who was defended by his helmet-wielding brother Maurice.
Race: Wilkes 400
Details: This race saw one of the wildest finishes in NASCAR history, with Hall of Famers Richard Petty and Bobby Allison slamming fenders over the final laps trying to win. Both cars were virtually destroyed as the race came to an end, with Allison's smoking. It was the peak of their rivalry.
In Victory Lane, a fan tried to attack Petty, who was defended by his helmet-wielding brother Maurice.
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Date: 10/16/1988
Race: Holly Farms 400
Details: Rusty Wallace and Geoff Bodine have multiple "bump and runs" on each other in the final laps, with Wallace emerging as the victor.
Race: Holly Farms 400
Details: Rusty Wallace and Geoff Bodine have multiple "bump and runs" on each other in the final laps, with Wallace emerging as the victor.
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Date: 10/15/1989
Race: Holly Farms 400
Details: Dale Earnhardt tried to block Ricky Rudd's bid to pass for the lead on the final lap, sending both of them spinning and giving Geoff Bodine the win. The Earnhardt camp was livid; Rudd was forced to escape the track on the floorboard of Larry McReynolds' van covered by a blanket. The spin most likely cost Earnhardt the 1989 championship.
Race: Holly Farms 400
Details: Dale Earnhardt tried to block Ricky Rudd's bid to pass for the lead on the final lap, sending both of them spinning and giving Geoff Bodine the win. The Earnhardt camp was livid; Rudd was forced to escape the track on the floorboard of Larry McReynolds' van covered by a blanket. The spin most likely cost Earnhardt the 1989 championship.
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Date: 9/29/1991
Race: Tyson Holly Farms 400
Details: "Mr. September" Harry Gant entered North Wilkesboro on a four-race winning streak with high hopes of tying the modern-era record of five consecutive wins. Gant started on the pole and led 350 laps before mechanical woes forced him to give up the lead to Dale Earnhardt with just nine laps to go. Gant would finish second.
Race: Tyson Holly Farms 400
Details: "Mr. September" Harry Gant entered North Wilkesboro on a four-race winning streak with high hopes of tying the modern-era record of five consecutive wins. Gant started on the pole and led 350 laps before mechanical woes forced him to give up the lead to Dale Earnhardt with just nine laps to go. Gant would finish second.
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Date: 4/14/1996
Race: First Union 400
Details: A unique silver paint scheme brought good luck to "Ice Man" Terry Labonte, who edged Jeff Gordon at the finish. Labonte won the pole Friday, while Sunday, he led the most laps and won the race while tying Richard Petty's streak of 613 consecutive starts. Labonte also won $129,600 Unocal Bonus money.
Race: First Union 400
Details: A unique silver paint scheme brought good luck to "Ice Man" Terry Labonte, who edged Jeff Gordon at the finish. Labonte won the pole Friday, while Sunday, he led the most laps and won the race while tying Richard Petty's streak of 613 consecutive starts. Labonte also won $129,600 Unocal Bonus money.