The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race weekend promises a packed lineup of racing and celebration as the event marks its 40th anniversary. Taking place at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina, the festivities span multiple days and feature top-tier Cup Series drivers, rising stars in the CARS Tour, and exciting support series like the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Whelen Modified Tour. Fans from around the world will be tuning in to experience the unique qualifying formats, support races, and the main event.
With so many events scheduled across several networks and platforms, knowing when and where to watch is essential. Below is a detailed guide to the full schedule, broadcast channels, and everything happening during this high-profile weekend.
A Special Return to North Wilkesboro Speedway
The 2025 All-Star Race brings NASCAR back to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the third time since the track’s return to the calendar. The short track, measuring just 0.625 miles, offers tight corners and a classic racing atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the larger intermediate tracks like Kansas Speedway, where the Cup Series raced the previous weekend.
On Sunday, May 18, twenty-three Cup Series drivers will compete in the All-Star Race. The 250-lap, 156-mile race offers not only bragging rights but also a spotlight for teams and manufacturers to showcase speed and strategy. Joey Logano returns as the defending winner at North Wilkesboro, but drivers like Kyle Larson—currently leading the Cup Series standings—are expected to be strong contenders.
Friday: Qualifying and Pit Crew Challenge Set the Stage
Friday, May 16, serves as a crucial day for teams. The day begins at 4:00 p.m. ET with Pit Road Qualifying Entry/Exit Practice for both the All-Star Open and All-Star Race fields, airing on FS2. The unique format combines traditional qualifying with a pit crew competition, emphasizing not just driver skill but also team execution.
At 6:00 p.m. ET, qualifying for the All-Star Open begins, followed by the All-Star field at 7:00 p.m. ET. Both sessions air on FS1. The timed laps include a live pit stop and will determine the starting lineups for Saturday’s heat races. A champion of the Pit Crew Challenge will also be crowned during this session.
Chasing another iconic elevator ride. 👀 @chaseelliott | @NASCAR | #AllStarRace pic.twitter.com/jmifAX6L3n
— North Wilkesboro Speedway (@NWBSpeedway) May 14, 2025
International audiences can also tune in. Viaplay will air the event at 11:00 p.m. ET in the UK, TSN will broadcast it in Canada at 6:00 p.m. ET, and SuperSport in Sub-Saharan Africa will carry it at 1:00 a.m. GMT on Sunday. Fans in India can access coverage through streaming platforms using VPN services, and Fox Sports Australia will show the qualifying live at 8:00 a.m. ACT on Sunday.
Saturday: Heat Races and Truck Series Action
Saturday, May 17, continues the momentum with a schedule full of racing. The day starts at 9:35 a.m. ET with NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series practice on FS2. Qualifying follows at 10:35 a.m. ET, also on FS2, and the main event, the Window World 250, airs at 1:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
Later in the day, the All-Star Race Heat Races will finalize the starting order for Sunday’s exhibition. Heat Race No. 1 starts at 5:10 p.m. ET, with Heat Race No. 2 following at 6:15 p.m. ET. Both races will be broadcast on FS2.
Fans of short track racing can also enjoy the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car division. The Window World 100 airs Friday at 8:15 p.m. ET on FS1 and FloRacing, with notable figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick joining the commentary team. Qualifying for the CARS Tour and the Pro Late Model events took place on Thursday, with coverage on FloRacing.
Sunday: Modified Tour, All-Star Open, and Main Event
Sunday’s events begin with the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, which hits the track at 2:00 p.m. ET. That event will be available on FloRacing and serves as a final warm-up before the evening’s main features.
The All-Star Open begins at 5:00 p.m. ET on FS1. This race gives drivers not yet qualified one last opportunity to earn a spot in the All-Star Race. The final event, the NASCAR All-Star Race, begins at 8:00 p.m. ET and will be shown live on FS1 and the Fox Sports App.
The 250-lap contest will test the endurance, precision, and race strategy of drivers and teams. With points not on the line, the competition is fierce, and every participant races for pride, performance, and momentum heading into the second half of the season.
A million-dollar view. 🌞 #AllStarRace pic.twitter.com/No3cHZvHbg
— North Wilkesboro Speedway (@NWBSpeedway) May 13, 2025
Series Leaders and Drivers to Watch
Heading into All-Star Weekend, Kyle Larson leads the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 469 points. William Byron follows in second with 434 points, while Christopher Bell (384), Chase Elliott (378), and Ryan Blaney (362) round out the top five.
Larson’s success this season and past performance on short tracks make him a top contender. Byron and Bell have also shown speed and consistency, while Elliott and Blaney continue to chase wins and climb the standings.
The All-Star Race provides a unique format with no championship points at stake. That often leads to aggressive racing and bold moves. Combined with the return to North Wilkesboro’s short-track roots, fans can expect a memorable event filled with action from the drop of the green flag.
News in Brief: How to Watch the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Weekend
The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway brings together multiple racing divisions, a rich mix of tradition and innovation, and an international broadcast audience. With three full days of track activity—from the CARS Tour and Craftsman Truck Series to the Pit Crew Challenge and All-Star Race—the event stands as a celebration of motorsports and NASCAR’s evolving future.
Fans around the world can tune in through regional networks or streaming services to witness one of the most entertaining weekends of the racing calendar. As NASCAR honors 40 years of the All-Star Race, the combination of historic venue, competitive racing, and diverse programming makes this year’s edition especially meaningful.
ALSO READ: Who’s In and Who’s Out: 2025 NASCAR All-Star Entry List Shakes Up North Wilkesboro
