NASCAR All-Star Race returning to North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2025

North Wilkesboro Speedway announced Friday that the NASCAR All-Star Race will return to the historic racetrack in 2025.

The race is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, in what will be the 41st All-Star Race in NASCAR history.

“NASCAR’s biggest and brightest stars will again shine on North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2025,” North Wilkesboro said in a press release. “Speedway officials announced Friday that North Wilkesboro will host the 41st running of the NASCAR All-Star Race on May 18, 2025, with affordable ticket and camping packages now on sale for what promises to be a spectacular weekend of fan and family friendly entertainment. 

“Race fans can also look forward to the return of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series’ Wright Brand 250 in 2025, with the race maintaining its positioning as a featured event in the Saturday portion of All-Star Race weekend.”

North Wilkesboro, which last hosted an official Cup Series points race in 1996, was revived in 2022 and hosted last year’s All-Star Race. In just two days, it will host the 40th running of the NASCAR All-Star Race after track re-pavement was completed two months ago.

2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson swept the weekend last year, scoring victories in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series’ Wright Brand 250 as well as the NASCAR All-Star Race. Larson is going for All-Star Race victory No. 3, all while preparing for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

2024 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro format

NASCAR is using this year’s All-Star Race to experiment new tires that Goodyear developed in hopes of having quicker wear than Goodyear’s current slick tires. The new tire uses rubber typically used for rain tires. Drivers in the main event at North Wilkesboro will have two sets of “prime” tires — traditional slicks that were used during a tire test at the racetrack last month. They will also have two sets of non-grooved “option” tires. These tires use the rubber from rain tires NASCAR uses on short tracks and road courses.

The All-Star Race will be 200 laps, with all laps counting and overtime rules in effect. Each team must begin on option tires. Teams must make a four-tire pit stop during a Lap 100 caution. Teams can choose to stay out or pit during a Lap 150 caution. What tires they put on during the pit stops will be the teams’ decision.