Chase Elliott Battles Outside Wall in Intense All-Star Practice

Chase Elliott found trouble late in All-Star practice at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 16, 2025. Driving the No. 9 Chevrolet, Elliott entered Turns 1 and 2 and got loose, causing the car to brush the outside wall.

The contact happened during a crucial on-track session as teams prepared setups for the upcoming All-Star events. Incidents like this are common during practice as drivers push their equipment to the edge, seeking extra speed before race day.

Elliott has a history of strong performances, but North Wilkesboro presents unique challenges with its aged surface and tight corners. Even top drivers can lose grip unexpectedly. For more details on track conditions, check out NASCAR’s official track guide.

Despite the brush with the wall, Elliott’s crew quickly assessed the damage and went to work, hoping repairs would ensure the car is ready for Sunday’s race. Elliott’s experience on short tracks has contributed to his status as a championship contender, with past successes demonstrating his skill in adapting to changing conditions.

Throughout his career, Elliott’s statistics continue to impress. He won the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship and remains the youngest driver to win both a NASCAR national series championship and the All-Star Race.

Elliott joined the Cup Series full-time in 2016, taking over the No. 24 car from Jeff Gordon before making the switch to the iconic No. 9. Since then, he has collected multiple wins on road courses and ovals, solidifying his place among the best young drivers in NASCAR.

All-Star weekend is important for teams and fans, offering a showcase of talent outside the regular points battle. Drivers like Elliott, Christopher Bell, and Corey Heim often share their preparation routines and strategies.

In addition to Elliott’s incident, other drivers have faced setbacks, including tire problems and car control issues during practice at North Wilkesboro. Competitive edges are often gained or lost in these sessions, making every lap count for teams and their drivers ahead of the main event. For more insights on managing tricky conditions, see this tricky tipster guide.

This race is part of a busy NASCAR schedule. The All-Star Open and main event draw big attention, and teams use every opportunity to collect data. For a deeper look at NASCAR’s event structure, visit NASCAR’s official events page.

Previous winners at North Wilkesboro and recent champions aim to add another victory to their records. Fan-favorite moments, close calls, and driver interviews fill the weekend.

With multiple practices and qualifying on the line, repairs from minor mishaps, like Elliott’s scrape, can make the difference between starting up front or further back on the grid.

As All-Star week continues, the focus transitions from practice to race strategy. Crew chiefs and engineers gather information from each session to adjust setups.

Elliott’s recent form suggests a quick recovery from the incident and confidence heading into the race. With a strong pit crew and years of experience, Elliott remains a top threat whenever he takes the track. His preparation mirrors the dedication seen in other motorsports competitors making their comeback efforts, such as Alexander’s funny car comeback.

Each practice lap and every adjustment can bring teams closer to victory in one of NASCAR’s premier showdowns. Chase Elliott’s effort at North Wilkesboro shows the intensity of All-Star preparations.

While scrubbing the wall is never planned, quick responses from the team can keep championship hopes intact. Fans now wait to see how Elliott and the field will respond once the green flag drops on Sunday, ready for another round of action under the lights. Additional drama and excitement are expected, much like the competitive spirit fueling the Buddy’s Funny Cars nomination.

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.