North Wilkesboro Speedway’s NASCAR All-Star Race qualifying and pit crew challenge have been postponed due to rain. The rescheduled qualifying will take place on Saturday morning at 11:40 a.m. Following the qualifying, the NASCAR Truck Series race will be held, with two 60-lap heats at night to determine the remaining starting lineup for Sunday night’s All-Star Race.
A total of 20 drivers will participate in the $1 million All-Star Race, with 17 of them having already earned their way in through past accomplishments. The remaining spots will be filled by the top two finishers from the Open race on Sunday and the winner of a fan vote. If Saturday’s events are rained out, points leader and three-time All-Star race champion Kyle Larson will start on the pole for Sunday night’s race.
As part of the pit crew challenge, drivers will run one full lap at speed and then proceed to a designated pit stall for a simulated four-tire stop with mock fuel delivery. The total time elapsed from green flag to checkered flag will determine the pole sitter for both heats and Sunday night’s All-Star Race. Speedway Motorsports president and CEO Marcus Smith stated that the new format challenges drivers, crew chiefs, and pit crews throughout the weekend.
Smith emphasized that innovation has always been a key component of North Wilkesboro Speedway’s NASCAR All-Star Race, including racing under lights, unique paint schemes, and double-file restarts. This year’s combination of an old school short track format developed by Dale Earnhardt Jr., along with a new tire twist from NASCAR and Goodyear is expected to create an exciting event for fans at North Wilkesboro Speedway as they celebrate its 40th running of this iconic race.
