Halfway Through and Thriving: All-Star Open Returns Green

The NASCAR All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway brought intense action as drivers battled for a chance to compete in the main All-Star Race. On May 18, Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell led the field through the restart zone when the race returned to green, setting the stage for a dramatic run to the finish.

Fans watched closely as drivers worked their way through the field, each hoping to secure a coveted transfer spot. Carson Hocevar made a key move in the latter part of the race, taking advantage of a two-tire strategy during pit stops.

That decision allowed him to gain track position and maintain the lead after the restart. John Hunter Nemechek also put in a strong performance, finishing second and claiming a spot in the main event.

Erik Jones finished third and just missed advancing, while Ty Dillon and Zane Smith rounded out the top five but did not move on. The opening laps saw Shane van Gisbergen start from pole and lead the field.

However, a mid-race pit decision not to take fresh tires caused him to fall back through the pack. Ryan Preece made a push toward the front and raced closely with Ty Gibbs for position, but a penalty related to the choose box forced Preece to restart at the rear, ending his chance to advance.

One of the race’s most exciting battles came as Hocevar and McDowell fought door-to-door after a late restart. Hocevar held steady despite the pressure, crossing the line first and earning his spot in the All-Star Race for the first time in his Cup career.

The Fan Vote added Noah Gragson to the line-up, rewarding his popularity among fans. After the checkered flag, there were still tempers on track as SVG and Todd Gilliland exchanged words on pit road following a late-race incident.

These moments showed how much was on the line for drivers trying to race their way into the All-Star field. The main NASCAR All-Star Race followed, featuring top drivers from the season and placing attention on drivers like Brad Keselowski, who started from pole. For more on Keselowski’s strong start, see his pole position achievement.

Hocevar’s strong performance in the Open positioned him as a new contender among established stars, while veterans like Erik Jones showed they have speed but not always the racing luck needed on these high-stakes nights. Fans tuned in live for every moment, from the opening laps to the final restart. Detailed coverage of the event’s outcomes can be found in the NASCAR All-Star results.

The broadcast included real-time updates, standings, and live odds, enhancing the excitement of the weekend. The next major event on the schedule is the BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, keeping the momentum high as the season rolls forward. For more details on the track’s history and layout, visit the Charlotte Motor Speedway official page.

Excitement remains strong throughout the NASCAR community as drivers continue their pursuit of victory and a shot at the All-Star crown. For insights on qualifying leading up to these races, check out the NASCAR All-Star qualifying. To learn more about the rules and format of the NASCAR All-Star Race, refer to the official NASCAR rulebook.