Carson Hocevar and John Hunter Nemechek Secure All-Star Race Spots

Carson Hocevar and John Hunter Nemechek secured their spots in the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race by finishing first and second in the All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 18. Hocevar, driving the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, took the lead on lap 55 after a timely tire change under caution.

Although Hocevar briefly lost position, his four fresh tires helped him regain and hold the lead to the finish. John Hunter Nemechek advanced by making a smart two-tire pit call, a strategy often discussed in detail by NASCAR’s official rulebook.

Image credit: www.nbcsports.com

Nemechek, in the No. 42 Toyota, used fresh tires to pass Hocevar and maintain second place, claiming the last transfer spot. Meanwhile, drivers like Erik Jones, Ty Dillon, and Zane Smith finished in the top five but did not qualify for the main event.

Shane van Gisbergen started on the front row and led early laps but struggled after losing track position during pit stops, ultimately finishing outside the All-Star Race lineup. For more insights into pit stop strategies, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) offers technical analyses on racing performance.

The Fan Vote once again influenced the field. Noah Gragson earned his third straight fan-nominated entry despite a challenging day involving contact and a power steering issue.

Gragson began the race third but fell back early after a collision with Nemechek and reported mechanical problems, dropping him deep into the field.

The Open began at a fast pace with van Gisbergen taking an early lead. Incidents and tire strategies played a key role, including contact between Michael McDowell and Hocevar, and Todd Gilliland battling a flat tire that cost him a lap.

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A competition caution on lap 50 regrouped the field and prompted crucial pit decisions. Several drivers gambled on fresh tires but lost track position as a result. Riley Herbst triggered a late caution after hitting the outside wall, setting up a final battle for transfer spots.

In the closing laps, Ryan Preece made significant moves but was penalized for running over the choose box and sent to the rear, ending his chances. Nemechek’s aggressive driving allowed him to pass Bubba Wallace for the final transfer spot.

After the race, emotions flared as van Gisbergen and Gilliland exchanged contact and words on pit road. For further reading on driver conduct and penalties, the FIA’s sporting regulations provide a comprehensive framework.

Outside the All-Star Open, Chandler Smith won the Truck Series race at North Wilkesboro, charging from third to first on the final lap. Brad Keselowski and Christopher Bell also claimed wins in All-Star heat races during the weekend.

The NASCAR All-Star Race will start after 8 p.m. ET with live coverage on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The event will feature a 23-car field competing fiercely for the $1 million prize on this historic short track, promising fans excitement and drama. For more on the history of North Wilkesboro Speedway, visit Wikipedia’s dedicated page.

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.