Hoffman leads North Wilkesboro Speedway

Image: North Wilksboro Speedway, Glenn Courtney, CC BY-SA 2.0

Longtime Bristol Motor Speedway Senior Director of Partnerships Graig Hoffman has been named Executive Director of North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Speedway Motorsports said that in his new role, Hoffman will lead and plan the execution of all guest experiences hosted at North Wilkesboro Speedway, while championing a fans-first culture across all touchpoints.

He will coordinate and be responsible for the day-to-day operations, creating unforgettable moments, energizing the Wilkes County community and making a positive impact while serving as a key ambassador for the speedway.

Speedway Motorsports’ Chief Experience Officer Jessica Fickenscher said, “Graig has been at the forefront of every phase in the revival of this historic speedway since 2022, so when looking for who would step into this role to continue North Wilkesboro’s legacy and positive impact, it was an easy decision.

“He has a passion for racing, for history and for the people of Wilkes County. We know Graig will grow our events and strive to put Fans First every time they visit the beloved northwestern North Carolina short track.”

Speedway Motorsports, LLC is an American company that owns and manages auto racing facilities that host races sanctioned by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR – American auto racing sanctioning and operating company that is best known for stock car racing).

It also oversees the IndyCar Series (highest class of regional North American open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars in the United States), the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), World of Outlaws (American motorsports sanctioning body), and other racing series. The company’s headquarters are located at Concord, North Carolina, United States.

The 40,000-capacity North Wilkesboro Speedway is a revamped short oval racetrack located on U.S. Route 421, about five miles East of the town of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, or 80 miles North of Charlotte. It measures 0.625 miles and features a unique uphill backstretch and downhill frontstretch.

A 26-year veteran of Speedway Motorsports, Hoffman will serve in a dual role for the company, continuing as Senior Director of Partnerships at Bristol Motor Speedway, while also serving as the Executive Director of North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Hoffman played an integral part in bringing racing back to the Blue Ridge Mountains, first serving as executive director for the Racetrack Revival at NWS in 2022, then cultivating strong relationships with regional marketing partners and members of the community as the speedway hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race from 2023 to 2025.

NASCAR recently announced that the Cup Series will return in 2026 for the June 19 Window World 400, the first points-paying race at NWS in 30 years.

Next season’s NASCAR weekend will also feature a 250-lap CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race on Saturday, June 18.

Hoffman will be the lead executive at NWS for not only the NASCAR race weekend, but also additional grassroots races, car shows and concerts at the multi-purpose venue in the future.

Hoffman said, “North Wilkesboro Speedway has played a significant role in motorsports history since the 1940s and is home to a region of people that breathe a love for this place and racing.

“This place is just as special to me as I’ve witnessed its revitalization first hand and feel the same sense of pride the good people of Wilkes County feel to see it not only open but thriving again.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to putting my efforts and energy into making North Wilkesboro as memorable for future generations as it has been for the very first NASCAR fans.”

Hoffman earned a master’s degree in Sports Administration from the University of Louisville in 1998, where he was also a four-year letterman and team captain of the football team.

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