NASCAR announces new format for All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway

NASCAR has released the format for the upcoming All-Star race at North Wilkesboro, and it promises to be an interesting format for the fans.

On Friday, May 17, there will be a combined practice for All-Star and Open cars. There will be both Open qualifying and All-Star qualifying. Finally, there will be a Pit Crew Challenge.

For the Pit Crew Challenge, teams will race one full lap at speed, make a second-lap pit stop to get four tires and mock fuel, then race back to the checkered flag.

On Saturday, May 18, there will be two heat races of 60 laps each as the NASCAR events continue. Teams must make a four-tire pit stop at some point. All laps count, with overtime rules in effect. Teams are allowed to start on prime, option or wet weather tires.

Fast forward to Sunday, May 19, the All-Star Open will be 100 laps, with all laps counting and overtime rules in effect. Teams must make a four-tire pit stop. The top two finishers and a fan vote winner will advance to the All-Star Race.

The All-Star Race will be 200 laps, with all laps counting and overtime rules in effect. Teams must make a four-tire pit stop. There will be a lap 100 caution. Teams can choose to stay out or pit during a lap 150 caution. Finally, all NASCAR teams must begin on option tires.

North Wilkesboro funding increasing

Last fall it was revealed that North Carolina’s new state budget has set aside funds for North Wilkesboro Speedway as the track hopes to become part of the NASCAR circuit again. The Wilkes Journal-Patriot reported on the financial news.

The speedway will receive $4 million as part of the new state budget. From the story, “$4 million for Speedway Motorsports Inc., an incentive state officials earlier agreed to give the company for having the NASCAR All-Star race at the North Wilkesboro Speedway this past May. (Rep. Jeffrey) Elmore said SMI also committed to having two NASCAR events the following season. One is the Brushy Mountain Powersports 150, part of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, on Sept. 30.”

North Wilkesboro was the site of NASCAR’s 2023 All-Star race. After a wildly successful event there, the track was once again selected as the host of the All-Star race in 2024.