The historic North Wilkesboro Speedway is once again set to host one of NASCAR’s most thrilling non-points events: the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race. After its recent revival, this legendary 0.620-mile short track has quickly become a fan favorite, and this year’s event promises even more excitement with an impressive lineup of drivers and eye-catching paint schemes.
The Locked-In Drivers and Their Paint Schemes
Twenty drivers have already secured their spots in the 2025 All-Star Race, each representing top teams and iconic sponsors with fresh paint schemes that fans will recognize and admire. Ross Chastain will pilot the No. 1 Busch Light Fan Vote Chevrolet, while Austin Cindric takes the wheel of the No. 2 Freightliner Ford. Veteran Austin Dillon drives the No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet, paying tribute with a patriotic design.
Rising star Noah Gragson will sport the No. 4 Rural King Ford, and Kyle Larson, a perennial favorite, will be behind the wheel of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet. Brad Keselowski represents RFK Racing in the No. 6 Solomon Plumbing Ford, and Justin Haley takes the No. 7 NationsGuard Chevrolet.
Some of the biggest names in the sport are also set with fresh schemes: Kyle Busch in the No. 8 Senix Chevrolet, Chase Elliott rocking the No. 9 Amazon Prime Video Chevrolet, and Denny Hamlin driving the No. 11 Progressive Toyota. The field is rounded out by notable drivers such as Ryan Blaney in the No. 12 Menards/Wrangler Ford and AJ Allmendinger with the No. 16 Campers Inn RV Chevrolet.
A special mention goes to Josh Berry, making his All-Star Race debut in the No. 21 DEX Imaging Ford for Wood Brothers Racing, an exciting milestone for the driver and team alike. RFK Racing doubles its presence with Chris Buescher in the No. 17 Kroger/Tylenol Ford. Meanwhile, Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suárez and 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick also bring fierce competition to the track.
The All-Star Open: Last Chance for Glory
Before the main event, 18 drivers will compete in the All-Star Open at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 18, battling for the last three spots in the big race. The top two finishers from the Open will advance, with one additional driver earning entry through the fan vote.
Leading the fan vote race are names like Shane van Gisbergen, Noah Gragson, Carson Hocevar, Ryan Preece, and Bubba Wallace, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the Open. Other contenders include Michael McDowell, Erik Jones, Ty Gibbs, and Cody Ware, each driving with everything on the line for a shot at All-Star glory.
The Event Format and Broadcast
The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race will officially kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET on FS1, following the conclusion of the Open. This year’s event will feature 23 competitors—20 locked in plus three from the Open and fan vote—racing for bragging rights, pride, and the unique prestige that comes with winning this non-points event.
The return to North Wilkesboro brings renewed energy and fan enthusiasm. After successful events in 2023 and 2024, the revitalized track promises close, door-to-door racing on its tight, historic oval. Drivers and fans alike have praised the venue’s atmosphere, steeped in NASCAR heritage, making the 2025 All-Star Race a must-watch event.
Why North Wilkesboro Matters
North Wilkesboro Speedway is more than just a race track—it’s a symbol of NASCAR’s roots. Closed for many years, its recent resurrection has reignited passion for short-track racing and reminded fans of the sport’s humble beginnings. Hosting the All-Star Race at this venue highlights NASCAR’s commitment to honoring its history while showcasing the sport’s future stars.
The short track layout guarantees action-packed racing with plenty of overtakes and strategy battles, ideal for a showcase event where the drivers leave points behind and race purely for pride and prestige. The paint schemes come alive under the bright lights, each representing stories, sponsors, and drivers eager to make their mark.
News in Brief: 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race Paint Schemes
As the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race approaches, excitement builds around the impressive driver lineup and striking paint schemes lighting up North Wilkesboro Speedway. With a mix of seasoned champions, rising stars, and fan favorites, the event promises unforgettable moments on one of NASCAR’s most storied tracks.
Rooting interests will be divided between veterans and Open contenders battling for a spot, but one thing remains clear: the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro is set to deliver intense racing action, passion, and pride.
Broadcast begins at 8:00 p.m. ET on FS1, offering a front-row seat to all the excitement.
ALSO READ: NASCAR’s Martinsville Weekend in Threat? Rain and Prize Money Spark Controversy
