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Ryan Blaney looks to stay hot as NASCAR heads to North Wilkesboro for first points race in 30 years
By STEVE REED, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· July 18, 2026
· 1 min read
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (AP) — Ryan Blaney is hoping to turn a hot streak into history. The 2023 Cup Series champion is hitting his stride with eight straight top 10 finishes, including a win last week at Atlanta. That gives him plenty of momentum heading into Sunday night's much-hyped historic re...
Key takeaway The 2023 Cup Series champion is hitting his stride with eight straight top 10 finishes, including a win last week at Atlanta.
Why this matters in The McAllen
For racing fans in the Rio Grande Valley, the return of NASCAR to North Wilkesboro Speedway is a significant event, even if it's happening over a thousand miles away. The Valley's own racing enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if Ryan Blaney can keep his streak alive, and how the historic track will challenge the drivers. While McAllen doesn't have a NASCAR track of its own, the city's love of racing is evident in its support of local motorsports events and the many fans who follow the sport. As the NASCAR season heats up, Valley residents will be tuning in to see how their favorite drivers perform, and Sunday's race at North Wilkesboro will be no exception. The outcome of the race may also have implications for the sport's popularity in the Valley, potentially inspiring new fans and generating interest in local racing events.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (AP) — Ryan Blaney is hoping to turn a hot streak into history. The 2023 Cup Series champion is hitting his stride with eight straight top 10 finishes, including a win last week at Atlanta. That gives him plenty of momentum heading into Sunday night's much-hyped historic re...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by STEVE REED, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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