Wood Brothers Racing, NASCAR’s oldest team, will be honored in a historic tribute during the 2025 All-Star Race held at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Marking their remarkable 75th anniversary, the iconic team will participate in prestigious ceremonial roles throughout the highly anticipated event, officially recognizing their lasting influence on the sport and its community.
During the All-Star Race, key figures from Wood Brothers Racing will be front and center. Len Wood is set to wave the green flag as the honorary starter, while Eddie Wood will lead the field in the pace car, piloting a Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Jon Wood, who serves as Team President, and Michael Waltrip, a former All-Star Race winner for the team, will act as Grand Marshals, commanding, “Drivers, start your engines.” This unique opportunity underscores the deep legacy and ongoing family leadership that define Wood Brothers Racing.
The honor feels even more significant because of the event’s setting. North Wilkesboro Speedway has been intricately tied to Wood Brothers Racing since 1957, making it a fitting location for their celebration. The team’s founder, Glenn Wood, achieved notable pole positions at the track in both 1958 and 1959. Over the decades, Wood Brothers Racing compiled an impressive record at North Wilkesboro, with 46 starts, two wins, 14 top-five finishes, and 23 top-tens before the speedway’s closure in 1997.
Reflecting on this recognition, Jon Wood expressed heartfelt appreciation. He explained,
“As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, it means a great deal to be recognized at a place that helped shape the sport and our team into what it is today.”
These words highlight the emotional connection the organization shares with the historic racetrack, further amplifying the importance of this moment.
Founded in 1950 by Glenn and Leonard Wood, Wood Brothers Racing has always been a family-run team, earning over 100 NASCAR Cup Series victories and capturing more than 120 pole positions. Through decades of NASCAR history, they have competed with legendary drivers such as David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, and Dale Jarrett and secured wins across every decade since the 1950s, reinforcing their reputation as a cornerstone of stock car racing.
The 2025 All-Star Race promises extra excitement for fans. Josh Berry will drive the famed No. 21 Ford Mustang, featuring a throwback paint scheme celebrating Michael Waltrip’s 1996 All-Star Race win. NASCAR is also unveiling a fresh event format, including a “promoter’s caution,” a 250-lap contest, and a “Manufacturer Showdown” among Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. Popular traditions like heat races, the All-Star Open, and fan voting will continue, ensuring an engaging weekend for both longtime followers and new fans alike.
With Wood Brothers Racing at the forefront of this year’s All-Star festivities, the event takes on added meaning. Their involvement not only honors tradition but also connects generations of fans to the sport’s storied past. As the 2025 race approaches, the team’s celebrated history and active participation signal an inspiring chapter ahead, promising memories that will resonate throughout the racing community.
