NASCAR Cup Series: Exciting Qualifying Order Revealed for All-Star Open

The NASCAR Cup Series is heading to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the All-Star Weekend, promising excitement for drivers and fans alike. On Sunday, May 18, the spotlight will be on the NASCAR All-Star Open at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

This race gives drivers who have not yet secured a spot in the main All-Star Race a final shot at making the field, with an extra chance available through the Fan Vote. The stakes are high, as the All-Star Race offers a $1 million prize and a chance to shine before a national television audience.

Qualifying for the All-Star events will have a special twist this year. Cup Series teams must complete a three-lap run, with a required pit stop on the second lap that doubles as the Pit Crew Challenge. For more details on pit crew strategies, you can explore resources from NASCAR’s official rulebook.

The total time for each team—including the time spent on the mandatory pit stop—will determine starting spots for both the All-Star Open and two heat races for the main All-Star Race. This new format tests both driver speed and pit crew skills, adding extra drama to the qualifying session.

Qualifying is scheduled to begin on Friday at 6 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast live. The order for qualifying is set based on a formula that uses each owner’s finishing position in the previous race (70% of the score) and the current owner points position (30%). For a deeper dive into NASCAR’s points system, check out this explanation from Motorsport.com.

This method aims to reward recent performance as well as consistency over the season. Notably, this year’s list includes rookies and several drivers making rare Cup Series starts.

Chad Finchum in the No. 66 car will be the first to take to the track, sitting 43rd in owner points. He will be followed by Cody Ware, Shane van Gisbergen, and Cole Custer.

Among the open field, Zane Smith, Ty Dillon, Carson Hocevar, and John Hunter Nemechek are ready to compete for their chance to advance. Veteran drivers like Erik Jones and Bubba Wallace are also featured in the Open lineup, aiming to race their way into the headlining event.

This All-Star weekend brings together established champions, emerging stars, and hungry underdogs. The format challenges crews to be flawless on pit road, with every second counting toward securing a coveted starting spot.

Fans will also get to see which drivers can rely on their supporters through the Fan Vote, adding another layer of anticipation to the proceedings. Teams and drivers have spent the last week preparing for the unique test at North Wilkesboro. For historical context on the track’s significance, visit North Wilkesboro Speedway’s Wikipedia page.

Attention to detail and teamwork will be more important than ever, as a fast pit stop could be the difference between racing for a million dollars and heading home early. The NASCAR Cup Series qualifying order signals the beginning of a packed weekend schedule featuring the All-Star Race, the BetMGM 300 at Charlotte, and the Window World 250.

As race day approaches, all eyes are on North Wilkesboro to see who will seize their moment and join the exclusive field competing in Sunday’s main event. For fans interested in a broader look at racing talent, the ultimate driver directory for NHRA offers insight into top competitors across motorsports. Additionally, the FIA’s official site provides global motorsport insights.

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.