Gov. Cooper Approves State Budget, Racetrack Funds Included

CHARLOTTE, NC — Governor Roy Cooper has approved the state budget including money that will be directed toward infrastructure costs at Rockingham, North Wilkesboro and Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The total of $40 million will be divided into $13 million for Concord, NC., the home of CMS, $9 million for Rockingham and Wilkes County $18 million.

The money is part of the American Rescue Act, or pandemic-related federal funds.

North Wilkesboro has been dormant for years, but new hope has inspired local and federal officials to infuse cash into the treasured NASCAR landmark track and local community.

Even if NASCAR does not return to North Wilkesboro, other racing series like SRX, the Tony Stewart Racing Experience, have been discussed.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who lobbied for the racetrack funding, has also talked about converting North Wilkesboro to dirt, which would open up other possibilities for the facility and be cheaper than replacing the worn pavement.

Rockingham is also dormant, however just this past year there was a CARS Tour race planned there and likely to be rescheduled next year.

Charlotte Motor Speedway is located in the home of NASCAR which through the company and teams employs thousands in the greater Charlotte area.

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