The historic North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina has recently been at the center of a mysterious discovery that has ignited new excitement and theories about its historical association with moonshine. The uncovering of a possible moonshine cave hidden beneath the concrete grandstands has stirred intrigue and revived long-standing rumors at the decades-old racing track.
Last week, during routine maintenance and inspection of the grandstands, workers at the iconic speedway stumbled upon an unexpected find. While examining the concrete structure for damage following the formation of a sinkhole, a previously concealed open area was revealed deep beneath the grandstands. Speculation suggests that this clandestine expanse might have served as an underground cave where bootleggers once brewed moonshine, evading the law and authorities.
The sparking of controversy and curiosity surrounding this revelation has been fueled by a rich history of folklore and accounts suggestive of a secret moonshine still operating clandestinely on the speedway premises since its establishment in 1947. As Steve Swift, the senior vice president of operations and development at Speedway Motorsports, revealed, “When we began renovating and restoring North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2022, we often heard stories of how an old moonshine still was operated here on the property under the grandstands.”
Emphasizing the potential significance of this groundbreaking discovery, Swift voiced, “Well, we haven’t found a still (yet), but we’ve found a small cave and an interior wall that would have been the perfect location to not only make illegal liquor, but to hide from the law as well. We don’t know how people would have gotten in and out, but as we uncover more, there’s no telling what we might find.”
The allure of this revelation has caught the attention of experts and aficionados, including Brian Call, whose family has a storied history of moonshine production. With roots deeply entwined in the heritage of moonshine making, Call shares his personal connection to both racing and moonshine in the wake of this intriguing discovery. Furthermore, a local distiller has delved into the intertwined history of moonshine and racing, adding a fascinating layer to the complex narrative weaving together these two iconic elements of North Carolina’s cultural tapestry.
The uncovering of this potential moonshine cave at North Wilkesboro Speedway stands as a compelling testament to the enduring legacy of its history, shrouded in mystery and steeped in the colorful lore of moonshine and NASCAR racing. As ongoing research and scrutiny unravel further layers of this enigmatic discovery, it rekindles the fascination and reverence for the captivating tales of bygone eras, reflecting the enduring allure of their indelible mark on the annals of North Carolina’s heritage.
