Ultimate NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying Order Revealed

The NASCAR Cup Series is set for an exciting weekend as drivers head to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the annual All-Star Open. Fans are gearing up for the action-packed event, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 18, with the race slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The weekend promises intense competition as Cup Series teams compete for a coveted spot in the main All-Star Race and a chance to claim the $1 million prize.

Qualifying this year will bring a new twist. Each Cup Series entry must complete a three-lap qualifying run, with a compulsory pit stop during the second lap.

This pit stop serves as a Pit Crew Challenge to test the efficiency of every team under pressure. The total clocked time from the run, including the pit stop, will determine the starting lineup for both the All-Star Open and the pair of All-Star heat races.

This approach puts equal focus on driver speed and crew precision as teams look to gain an advantage before the main event.

Friday evening sets the stage as qualifying begins at 6 p.m. Eastern for the Open cars, followed by the All-Star cars at 7 p.m., both events being televised on FS1.

The order in which drivers hit the track is determined by their current position in the Cup Series regular season points standings, making every race leading up to this moment even more important. This structure rewards consistency while also offering opportunities for dramatic shakeups based on on-track performance and pit road execution.

Among the field, Justin Allgaier steps in for Kyle Larson for Open qualifying duties. This substitution is notable, as Larson has been a consistent front-runner throughout recent seasons, and Allgaier’s presence could alter the dynamic up front.

The top qualifiers include veterans like Brad Keselowski, Daniel Suárez, and Kyle Busch, alongside rising stars such as Josh Berry, Ross Chastain, and William Byron. Notable rookies are also in the mix, eager to showcase their speed and possibly secure one of the coveted transfer spots into the All-Star Race.

The driver lineup spotlights a mix of experience and young talent. Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, and Ryan Blaney are all vying for strong starting positions.

These established names are joined by newcomers like Harrison Burton, who will participate despite being ineligible for driver points, and several others looking to make an impact. Every position matters, and the pressure is on for both drivers and pit crews to perform in this unique qualifying setup.

North Wilkesboro Speedway, a track rich in NASCAR history, hosts the action with fans eager to see which teams handle the new format best. The $1 million first-place prize on Sunday night adds extra motivation, as does the national spotlight with coverage on FS1, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

The stage is set for a dramatic and memorable All-Star Weekend, with qualifying results sure to play a major role in shaping Sunday’s showdown.

After qualifying, attention will turn to final race preparations and strategic decisions. Teams that excel this weekend will not only secure top starting spots but will also build momentum for the rest of the season as the NASCAR Cup Series continues its march toward the playoffs. For more details on the playoff structure, visit NASCAR’s official site.

All eyes are on North Wilkesboro as drivers and crews strive for All-Star glory. For those interested in the technical aspects of racing, the Society of Automotive Engineers offers in-depth resources on motorsports engineering.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.