The NASCAR Cup Series is back at North Wilkesboro for a full, points-paying race 30 years in the making.
The Window World 450 on July 19 is the first points race for the Cup Series since 1996 at the 0.625-mile track tucked in the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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North Wilkesboro had been on the schedule as the site of the All-Star Race since 2023, but shifted into a summer points-race date this year.
The track has served as a symbol for the sport over the last three decades as a venue of yesteryear, aged out as the sport shifted dates westward and northward to spur the growth of the 1990s and 2000s. North Wilkesboro now serves as a cautionary tale as NASCAR attempts to re-grow this plot of its southern roots.
The race to the Chase continues with six events remaining in the regular season. Erik Jones currently sits in 16th, with an eight-point lead ahead of 17th-place Joey Logano coming into the weekend.
This weekend also marks the in-season challenge semifinals, with Chase Elliott vs. Todd Gilliland and Ryan Blaney vs. Christopher Bell as the matchups.
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Follow along with the Tennessean’s NASCAR race updates below:
CUP RACE PICKS: NASCAR North Wilkesboro predictions 2026, expert picks for Cup Series race
NASCAR Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro live updates, highlights, live leaderboard for the Quaker State 400
LIVE LEADERBOARD: Full field leaderboard of NASCAR Cup Series Window World 450
Raining at North Wilkesboro
It is raining at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
Still about two hours away from the scheduled green flag, but there will need to be some track drying to be done.
NASCAR North Wilkesboro weather forecast
Rain chances have decreased significantly for this evening, with the National Weather Service forecasting a 15% chance of precipitation at 6 p.m. Central.
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But a look at the radar shows some scattered showers and storms in Wilkes County, N.C.
NASCAR in-season tournament semifinal matchups
4-seed Chase Elliott vs. 25-seed Todd Gilliland
3-seed Ryan Blaney vs. 10-seed Christopher Bell
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – APRIL 18: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on April 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – APRIL 18: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on April 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – MARCH 29: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, signs autographs for NASCAR fans during the drivers meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 29, 2026 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 13: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 13, 2025 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 13: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, places the winner sticker on his car in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 13, 2025 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
May 18, 2025; North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) celebrates winning the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-Imagn Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Mar 9, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) celebrates his victory of the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 09: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota, and Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota, lead the field to a late restartduring the NASCAR Cup Series Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway on March 09, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 02: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 02, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
(James Gilbert, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 02: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 02, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
AUSTIN, TEXAS – MARCH 02: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 02, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
(James Gilbert, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
HAMPTON, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 23: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 23, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
HAMPTON, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 23: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 23, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
HAMPTON, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 23: Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, takes the checkered flag under caution to win ahead of Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Delaware Life Chevrolet, and Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendirickCars.com Chevrolet, in the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 23, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Feb 1, 2025; WInston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) films a preview video before practice for the Clash at Bowman Gray at Bowman Gray Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-Imagn Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Nov 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) and driver Christopher Bell (20) during the NASCAR Awards Banquet at Charlotte Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell stands with his crew after exiting his car due to a lightning delay during the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 30, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
June 23: Christopher Bell celebrates after winning the USA TODAY 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
(Eric Canha, USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Rheem Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series USA TODAY 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 23, 2024 in Loudon, New Hampshire.
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
May 26, 2024; Concord, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) is awarded the win in the rain shortened Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Mar 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) celebrates his victory of the Shriners Childrens 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Mar 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) during the Shriners Childrens 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
(Motorsports Wire)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Mar 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) celebrates his victory of the Shriners Childrens 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) reacts in victory lane after winning the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 2 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Christopher Bell poses with his Busch Light Pole Award on the red carpet for the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.
(Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Nov 5, 2023; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell reacts in the garage after crashing out of the Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Motorsports Wire)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Christopher Bell speaks to the media during NASCAR media day at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale on Nov. 2, 2023.
(Alex Gould/Special for The Republic)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Christopher Bell celebrates after winning the 4EVER 400 presented by Mobil 1, Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
(Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (left) talks with a crew member during practice and qualifying for the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 19, 2023.
(Matthew O’Haren, Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Christopher Bell celebrates after winning the Food City Dirt Raceon April 9 at the Bristol Motor Speedway.
(Randy Sartin/USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Oct. 30: Christopher Bell, front, celebrates winning the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway.
(Peter Casey, USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Oct. 9: Christopher Bell celebrates after winning the Bank of America ROVAL at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course.
(John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell’s (20) car is pushed to pit row during the Ally 400 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 26, 2022.
(Abbey Cutrer / Tennessean.com)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
NASCAR driver Christopher Bell (20) signs autographs on Gasoline Alley Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, during qualifying for the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Sam Owens/IndyStar)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Christopher Bell celebtates his win of NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 253 on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 on the Daytona International Speedway.
(David Tucker/News-Journal)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Feb 12, 2020; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Christopher Bell (95) addresses the media during NASCAR Media Day at the Daytona 500 Club.
(Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports)
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Christopher Bell, NASCAR driver in No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing
Christopher Bell acknowledges his quick time with a thumbs up after the first Indiana 250 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019.
(Bob Goshert / For Indystar)
Ryan Blaney on the pole; full NASCAR Cup Series North Wilkesboro starting lineup
The top 10:
Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Chris Buescher, No. 17 RFK Racing Ford
Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Find the full starting lineup here.
NASCAR race radio coverage: How to listen to NASCAR Cup race at North Wilkesboro
The Window World 450 will be aired on the radio by the Performance Racing Network. PRN has affiliates all across the country, including 830 AM in Nashville, and their feed can also be streamed on NASCAR.com as well as the NASCAR app. The race can also be heard on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.
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NASCAR North Wilkesboro TV schedule, start time
Green Flag Time: Approx. 6:15 p.m. CT on Sunday, July 19
Track: North Wilkesboro Speedway (1.54-mile oval) in North Wilkesboro, N.C.
Length: 450 laps, 281.25 miles
Stages: 80 laps, 185 laps, 185 laps
Radio: PRN (830 AM in Nashville)
Streaming: HBO MAX app for full broadcast feed and in-car cameras (subscription required); NASCAR.com and SiriusXM on Channel 90 for audio (subscription required)
The Window World 450 will be broadcast nationally on TNT. Other streaming options for the race include HBO MAX for the full broadcast and in-car cameras for each driver.
Recent NASCAR Cup Series winners at North Wilkesboro
2025 All-Star Race: Christopher Bell
2025 All-Star Race: Joey Logano
2025 All-Star Race: Kyle Larson
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Cup Series race at North Wilkesboro: Live updates, highlights, leaderboard for Window World 450