The NASCAR All-Star Race is set to take place at North Wilkesboro Speedway this weekend, with 17 drivers automatically entered into the main event and an additional 20 drivers vying for three final spots through the Open race. The race will feature three sets of tires, including regular tires, softer tires made from rain tire rubber, and rain tires from last year’s event at North Wilkesboro. Practice will take place on Friday, with one 50-minute session for all cars using regular and softer tires. Qualifying will involve two separate sessions, including open qualifying and cup qualifying with a pit crew challenge.
The heat format for the All-Star Race includes two 60-lap heat races on Saturday with lineups determined by qualifying rankings. All laps count, with one overtime possible, and teams can use any tire they choose. A caution at Lap 30 will require a four-tire stop. The top-two finishers of each heat race will establish the inside and outside rows for the main event, with the polesitter automatically starting on the pole. The Open teams will not have any track activity on Saturday, leading up to their 100-lap race on Sunday.
The Open race on Sunday will be a 100-lap event where teams can start on any tire. A caution at Lap 50 will require a four-tire stop, and the top-two finishers will advance to the All-Star Race, with a fan vote determining the final entry. The All-Star Race itself is a 200-lap event with two sets of regular tires and two sets of softer tires for teams to utilize. Teams must start on the softer tire, and a caution at Lap 100 will mandate a four-tire stop. At Lap 150, teams can choose whether or not to pit, with all laps counting and overtime rules in effect.
Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR for FOX Sports and has extensive experience in motorsports reporting. He has covered over 30 Daytona 500s and has worked with various media outlets throughout his career. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass for updates and insights on the NASCAR All-Star Race and other racing events. Stay tuned for more updates on the NASCAR Cup Series, including race highlights, news, and information on your favorite drivers and teams.
