Kyle Busch, the celebrated two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, will officially race in the 41st All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 18, 2025, despite not claiming a single Cup Series win in either the 2024 season or thus far in 2025. By meeting two of NASCAR’s critical eligibility requirements, Busch secures his place among just 23 drivers battling for victory at the storied 0.625-mile circuit, keeping his competitive legacy alive even in a challenging period without wins.
NASCAR’s All-Star format imposes strict guidelines for entry into its million-dollar showcase: to compete, a driver must either have won a Cup Series race in the previous or current season, be a past All-Star Race winner who is also competing full-time, or have previously won a Cup Series championship while still running a full NASCAR schedule. Despite his recent winless streak, Kyle Busch seamlessly checks two boxes, qualifying as a Cup champion and a former All-Star Race winner, after his memorable 2017 triumph at Joe Gibbs Racing.
Joining Richard Childress Racing for another season, Busch is set to reveal a special paint scheme at North Wilkesboro, amplifying anticipation among fans and teams alike. He isn’t the only RCR driver locked into the All-Star field, with teammate Austin Dillon joining 19 other pre-qualified entries. The lineup for the high-stakes event is nearly set, with the last three positions determined through the All-Star Open, where the top two finishers advance and the final spot is won by popular vote—a process that currently sees rookie driver Shane van Gisbergen among the top finalists.
Looking back to last year’s visit to North Wilkesboro, Kyle Busch concluded his race in 10th position but was at the center of a fiery altercation, signifying how intense All-Star competition can become. Conflict with fellow competitor Ricky Stenhouse Jr. escalated after a first-lap incident triggered by Stenhouse pushing Busch into the wall. Responding almost instantly, Busch retaliated, sending Stenhouse crashing and out of contention before the second lap, which later resulted in a heated confrontation in the pits. According to race reports and posts on X, Stenhouse accused Busch of costing him a shot at the million-dollar prize, further heightening the drama surrounding the annual event.
The 2025 All-Star Race, scheduled for a Sunday evening under the lights and broadcast on FOX Sports 1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR radio, represents another key chapter in Kyle Busch’s storied career. For high schoolers and racing fans alike, the story of Busch’s resilience and strategic eligibility speaks to persistence and adaptability in a fiercely competitive arena. As the field readies for one of the sport’s most prestigious showcases, all eyes will be on Busch—his presence proof that championship pedigree and past glory still carry weight, even in winless seasons. With rivalries reignited and millions at stake, the impact of his participation may shape not only this year’s narrative but the ongoing quest for NASCAR greatness.
