Under the Blanket: Four Cars Clash for Early Lead

Four of NASCAR’s most competitive drivers put on an early show at North Wilkesboro Speedway during the All-Star Race on May 18, 2025. As the green flag waved, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, William Byron, and Chase Elliott were locked in a tight fight for the lead.

The intensity was clear from the opening laps, as all four cars ran close together, making daring moves in traffic and battling side by side. Keselowski led the field to green, showing speed and an aggressive approach right away. For more on NASCAR racing strategies, check out this resource from NASCAR’s official site.

A strong start helped Keselowski hold off early charges from Logano, Byron, and Elliott. On lap three, Byron edged ahead briefly, but Logano countered, slipping back into contention the very next lap.

Elliott stayed patient, watching for any mistakes up front and waiting for a chance to pounce. The racing kept fans on edge as each driver searched for grip and the best racing line. To learn more about racing techniques, visit the SAE International motorsports engineering page.

By lap 10, all four remained within less than a second of each other, trading positions on nearly every circuit. The intensity rose as the cars ran what’s called “under a blanket”—so close you could cover them all at once.

Every small error or missed corner allowed a rival to close in or attempt a pass. Elsewhere on track, the field saw some heated moments that added to the early drama.

Riley Herbst got caught up with Michael McDowell, making contact that sent Herbst’s car into the outside wall. Quickly regrouping, the field reset for another restart.

Shane van Gisbergen also got attention by leading the All-Star Open back to green at halfway, but all eyes stayed glued to the leading quartet’s fight out front. Just before the first break in the action, Chase Elliott made an aggressive move, squeezing past Byron in turn four to claim third position.

The crowd reacted as Keselowski and Logano ran door to door at the line. With such close racing, it was clear the early laps would set the tone for an unpredictable night. For historical context on NASCAR rivalries, explore the Library of Congress sports archives.

The risk of an incident was always present, as evidenced when a three-wide battle further back led to a spin for Chase Briscoe, bringing out a caution and bunching up the leaders. As the laps ticked by, the fight for the front remained the main storyline.

Each of the four drivers showed why they are perennial contenders, using experience and strategy to gain track position. Keselowski kept focus at the point, but Logano remained right at his bumper, with Byron and Elliott not letting up.

Fans who tuned in for the All-Star Race saw exactly what they hoped for—relentless competition and constant action among four of NASCAR’s best. As the race settled in, anticipation grew for how this fierce battle would evolve, knowing the early exchanges were just the beginning of a night of unpredictable racing at North Wilkesboro.

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.