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Paul Call, the caretaker of North Wilkesboro Speedway, has passed away at 88. He bravely battled cancer for some time. His journey with the track began in 1963 as a teenager. Call's enduring love for NASCAR started in his working-class childhood and continued until his passing.
Call's dedication, kindness, and passion for the sport earned him the admiration and love of many. Even after the track closed in 1996, he held onto the hope that one day, North Wilkesboro Speedway would come back to life, allowing us the chance to once again witness NASCAR races there.
His wish came true, as the speedway reopened in 2023 with the NASCAR All Star Race. Paul Call experienced a lot during his career, and his stories have always sparked interest. There will be a significant void after his death.
Steven Wilson and the Save the Speedway group statement
Steven Wilson and the Save the Speedway group have been working hard to get the track reopened. They gave their maximum, and ultimately succeeded in their intentions.
In their statement after Call's death, it is clear how much they respected and loved him. He left a big mark on the NASCAR scene, and will be remembered forever. “For more than 60 years North Wilkesboro Speedway has been cared for by one man, Paul Call who began working for Enoch Staley when he was just 16 years old watching the track flourish with the best NASCAR drivers in the world and the biggest of events.
When the track closed in 1996, Paul continued his work as the only employee of the speedway caring for the track he lived next to, telling stories and keeping the facility safe. Paul never lost faith NASCAR would return and the speedway would reopen and it did with the 2023 NASCAR All Star Race right outside his front door as he watched the speedway reborn.
Paul was a friend and his stories will be missed”. - they wrote, quoted by sportsnaut.com.
