What to Watch: All-Stars Ready to Dominate North Wilkesboro

NASCAR’s brightest stars are ready to compete in the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The event kicks off Sunday evening at 8 p.m. ET on the historic 0.625-mile oval in North Carolina. For more details on the track’s history, check out the North Wilkesboro Speedway page from the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Fans can watch the action live on FS1, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The winner stands to earn a $1 million prize after 250 laps of intense short-track racing.

Brad Keselowski will lead the field in the No. 6 Ford, after earning his first All-Star pole. Joey Logano returns as the defending winner following his victory at this event in May 2024.

The All-Star Race is a unique showcase with no playoff points or championship implications, putting all focus on the race itself and the grand payout. Only 20 drivers have an automatic spot—earned by winning a Cup race in 2024 or 2025, or by being a former Cup champion. Learn more about the format and eligibility rules from NASCAR’s official event guide.

New names like Harrison Burton and Josh Berry join the field this year, while veterans like Kyle Busch and Ryan Blaney are always serious threats. Three spots remain up for grabs: two will be filled by the top finishers in the All-Star Open, and the last entry is determined by a fan vote.

Short-track racing often brings drama and memorable moments. North Wilkesboro returned to the spotlight in recent years, delivering stories like the 2024 clash between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch. For a deeper dive into short-track racing dynamics, visit Racing Reference’s track analysis.

Aggression runs high on tracks like this, especially when $1 million is at stake. With 23 drivers in the main race and more than half of them searching for their first trip to Victory Lane this season, close racing and hard contact are likely as they battle for the win.

This year’s format offers new strategy elements. There will be a competition break close to Lap 100, and officials may call a “Promoter’s Caution” any time before Lap 220.

This twist echoes old-school short-track practices, giving crews another decision to make late in the event. Teams have just one tire compound this year, similar to what was used at Martinsville and Bowman Gray.

The surface remains fresh after a 2023 repave, so teams are watching tire wear closely. Brad Keselowski’s crew posted the third-best 10-lap average in Friday’s practice, showing the No. 6 car has speed to challenge.

Recent All-Star winners often go on to win titles. The last nine races have been won by Cup champions such as Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Chase Elliott. For historical context, explore NASCAR’s statistical database on past winners.

Keselowski, despite three prior runner-up results and a tough record at North Wilkesboro, looks primed for a breakthrough after capturing pole position. He’ll aim to extend the streak of champions in All-Star Victory Lane.

The buildup to the race also includes highlights like Spire Motorsports’ win in the Pit Road Challenge, where the No. 71 team claimed a $100,000 bonus. Off the track, Christopher Bell and his wife Morgan have been featured in the new season of “Full Speed” on Netflix.

North Wilkesboro’s event also shines with special paint schemes, a throwback to NASCAR’s rich history, and updates on penalties and standings after recent races. Fans have followed a season full of twists over the past 12 events, leading up to the classic short-track battle under the lights.

As the engines fire on Sunday night, a million-dollar reward and racing pride drive every decision made on pit road and on track. The All-Star field is prepared, the challengers are stacked, and short-track tempers and tactics promise action all the way to the checkered flag.

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.