As the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race approaches, fans are heading back to one of the sport’s favorite throwback venues :North Wilkesboro Speedway. Now in its third year hosting the event, this classic short track in the North Carolina foothills is the perfect place for NASCAR’s most relaxed weekend.
With retro paint schemes, local vendors and the CARS Tour undercard, the All-Star Race has become a fan favorite that blends old-school cool with modern horsepower. And with some new changes this year, there’s even more reason to watch. Here are four storylines to follow:
4. Expanded Race Format and Strategic Changes
This year’s All-Star Race is getting shaken up. The race is 250 laps (instead of 200), with a competition caution around Lap 100. The big twist? A new “Promoter’s Caution” that officials can call anytime between Laps 101–220 to bunch the field back up and mix things up.
It’s supposed to keep things unpredictable and turn a long green flag run into a real strategic battle. Not everyone loves it — Kyle Busch called it a “gimmick.” But it’s part of the show now.
3. Manufacturer Showdown
This year’s All-Star Race has another new spin: the Manufacturer Showdown. Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota will each have an equal number of drivers, determined by the least represented brand in the All-Star field.
Selections are based on final All-Star grid positions. The manufacturer with the lowest combined finishing positions wins, adding a new layer of competition and pride among the manufacturers.
2. Veterans Still Looking for Their All-Star Win
Big names like Martin Truex Jr. are still looking for their first All-Star win. Truex, a former Cup Series champion with multiple wins, wants to add an All-Star to his resume. Another heavy hitter, Brad Keselowski is winless in the All-Star Race despite a championship and over 35 Cup wins.
As the field gets smaller, these guys will be going all out to get what has eluded them. In the 2025 All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Keselowski grabbed the pole (his first ever in the All-Star ), so maybe his moment is coming.
1. Larson’s All-Star History in the Making
Kyle Larson is looking to make history as he goes for his 4th All-Star Race win, tying Jimmie Johnson’s record. He’s already won in 2019, 2021 and 2023. His 2023 win at North Wilkesboro was especially impressive as he won the Truck Series race and the All-Star Race that weekend. With 2 Cup Series wins already this season at Las Vegas and Kansas, Larson enters this year’s All-Star weekend as one of the favorites, even if Joey Logano is the defending winner from 2024.
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