The last time NASCAR visited North Wilkesboro Speedway was in September of 1996, a race won by Dale Earnhardt Sr. A track that had been a staple in NASCAR dating back to the late 40s was cast aside for expansionist tracks like Texas, New Hampshire, and Las Vegas. The North Carolina short track losing its two NASCAR Cup Series dates has long been a sore spot among fans, and residents of North Wilkesboro. Seeing as they lost both dates as the Cup schedule expanded from 32 to 36 races after that last race, some hard feelings are somewhat warranted. Now over a quarter of a century later, NASCAR, a…