NASCAR All-Star Open Qualifying: van Gisbergen Claims Pole

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Shane van Gisbergen delivered a standout performance in Friday’s qualifying session for the NASCAR All-Star Open, grabbing pole position with a lap of 88.685 seconds at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Running the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, he showed speed and precision, especially during the critical four-tire pit stop unique to the All-Star qualifying format.

Carson Hocevar secured the second spot by turning in a lap just two-tenths behind at 88.884 seconds. Noah Gragson, Michael McDowell, and Ryan Preece rounded out the rest of the top five, each staying within a second of the pole-winning time.

The qualifying session on May 16 featured 18 drivers, all vying for a few remaining spots in the main All-Star Race. This test measured not only lap speed but also the teams’ ability to perform fast, error-free pit work.

Zane Smith posted a competitive time to take sixth place, while Justin Haley landed seventh. John Hunter Nemechek, Ty Gibbs, and Ty Dillon filled positions eight through ten, all hoping to advance through Sunday’s Open.

The event at North Wilkesboro marks a return to one of stock car racing’s classic venues. Alongside the Open, the weekend includes the Window World 250 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and a variety of supporting races and practice sessions. Fans of motorsport might also be interested in learning more about the history of NASCAR at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

The All-Star Open has high stakes: only the top two finishers advance to the headline race later on Sunday, and one more driver is added through a fan vote. Big names in the Open, including Bubba Wallace, Cole Custer, Erik Jones, and AJ Allmendinger, will look for an advantage starting near the front on the challenging 0.625-mile track.

Van Gisbergen described his lap as near perfect, crediting his pit crew’s effort for making a big difference. This is his best starting position on an oval since joining the Cup Series, improving from a previous best start of 17th at Talladega.

His speed entering pit road especially stood out, helping him gain time over competitors. The rest of the field experienced a wide range of lap times, with Riley Herbst, Bubba Wallace, and Cody Ware rounding out the next group.

AJ Allmendinger, Todd Gilliland, and Chad Finchum ended up at the back but will look to move forward during the race. Allmendinger faced challenges, clocking a lap over 110 seconds, while Finchum was last at 144.025 seconds. For more insights into the technical aspects of NASCAR pit stops, check out this detailed guide from NASA’s Human Performance Research.

Every second counted, as minor mistakes or pit road penalties dropped teams several spots. Sunday promises close competition with the Open’s high stakes and another classic All-Star showdown in the evening.

Fans can expect more pit road strategy, hard racing, and intense pressure as drivers fight to advance. For van Gisbergen, it’s another chance to prove himself against NASCAR’s best on one of the sport’s most historic stages. To explore the legacy of North Wilkesboro Speedway, visit Racing-Reference.