It’s…beautiful.
NASCAR is going back to its roots for their annual All-Star Race this year, returning to North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina for the first time since 1996.
The track had been on NASCAR’s schedule since its inception, hosting its first race back in 1949 when NASCAR was founded as a sanctioning body for bootleggers who wanted to race their souped-up stock cars after the repeal of Prohibition.
North Wilkesboro, located in Wilkes County, North Carolina, is located in the heart of what used to be (maybe even still is?) moonshine country in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. So it’s only fitting that the track is paying tribute to NASCAR’s roots – and its local heritage – when the sport makes its long-anticipated return next week.
The speedway today unveiled the incredible trophy that will be given to the All-Star Race winner next week, and it’s a beautiful moonshine still created by a local craft distillery.
Designed by Call Family Distillers, the copper still will be attached to a wooden base and will reportedly take two people to carry when it’s presented to the race winner.
Speaking on the unique trophy, executive director of the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway Jessica Fickenscher highlighted the sport’s long-running connections to the bootlegging industry:
“NASCAR and moonshining were locked arm in arm during the sport’s early days and many of the greatest drivers got their start bootlegging in fast cars through the backroads of Wilkes County.
We’re thrilled to have Call Family Distillers provide these unique moonshine still trophies. They will provide a great tribute to NASCAR’s early days with a throwback feel that winners during NASCAR All-Star Race week will cherish.”
I guess the real question is…is it a functioning still?
Asking for a friend, of course…
The 2023 NASCAR All-Star Race will be held Sunday, May 21 at 7:00 PM eastern.
