The NASCAR Cup Series returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the 2025 All-Star Race weekend, bringing with it three days of intense racing action. From the iconic short track’s historic setting to a full slate of drivers eager to prove themselves, this year’s All-Star event promises excitement for both fans and competitors. Here’s everything you need to know heading into the weekend, including updated weather forecasts, entry lists, race formats, and key storylines.
Weather Forecast: Unpredictable Skies Could Impact All Three Days
The National Weather Service projects variable weather across the All-Star weekend, with modest chances of precipitation each day. Friday, May 16, which includes practice and qualifying for the All-Star Race, features a high of 85°F and a 23% chance of rain in the afternoon and evening. Winds will remain calm between 2 to 7 mph. Fortunately, the risk of significant weather interruptions appears low.
Saturday, May 17 brings a greater threat of rain, especially during the on-track sessions. From 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM, there’s a 43% chance of precipitation with wind gusts reaching up to 23 mph. This could impact both the All-Star Race Heats and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Window World 250. Fans and teams alike will need to monitor radar throughout the day.
Sunday, May 18—the main event day—looks more favorable. Temperatures will peak around 83°F, with only a 13% chance of rain during the critical evening hours. Calm winds and clearer skies will offer the best conditions for Sunday’s high-profile races.
NASCAR All-Star Race Lineup: Who’s Already Locked In
Twenty drivers have earned automatic entry into the 2025 All-Star Race based on race wins, past All-Star victories, or Cup Series championships. These include top contenders from powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, RFK Racing, and Team Penske.
Notable entries include:
Kyle Larson (No. 5) and Chase Elliott (No. 9) for Hendrick Motorsports
Denny Hamlin (No. 11) and Christopher Bell (No. 20) for Joe Gibbs Racing
Brad Keselowski (No. 6) and Chris Buescher (No. 17) for RFK Racing
Joey Logano (No. 22) and Ryan Blaney (No. 12) for Team Penske
Josh Berry (No. 21) makes his first All-Star appearance, representing Wood Brothers Racing. Meanwhile, drivers like Tyler Reddick (No. 45) and Daniel Suarez (No. 99) bring diversity to the grid from 23XI Racing and Trackhouse Racing, respectively. The main event is shaping up to be a clash of champions, rising stars, and fan favorites.
NASCAR All-Star Open: Final Chance to Make the Field
Before the green flag drops on the All-Star Race, 18 hopefuls will compete in the All-Star Open at 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 18. The top two finishers will automatically transfer into the main event, with a third driver added via the fan vote.
Among the top fan vote contenders as of May 12 are:
Other notable drivers in the Open include:
Michael McDowell (No. 71)
Erik Jones (No. 43)
Ty Gibbs (No. 54)
Justin Haley (No. 7)
AJ Allmendinger (No. 16)
Ty Dillon (No. 10)
Cody Ware returns in the No. 15 car, while Chad Finchum will attempt to qualify in the No. 66 Ford. Cole Custer, Todd Gilliland, and Ryan Preece round out a competitive field representing multiple manufacturers.
Only three of these drivers will earn a spot in the All-Star Race, meaning the Open could prove to be one of the most intense battles of the weekend.
NASCAR Truck Series Spotlight: Full Field Set for Window World 250
Saturday’s action includes the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Window World 250, a 250-lap sprint on one of NASCAR’s most beloved short tracks. The event features a full 36-truck field, with no drivers being sent home.
Among the biggest names is Kyle Busch, who returns to the series driving the No. 07 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports. Busch, a two-time Cup champion, brings added star power to the already competitive grid.
Corey Heim (No. 11) returns as the defending winner at North Wilkesboro and is considered a favorite. TRICON Garage will field multiple trucks, including those driven by Brent Crews, Toni Breidinger, Tanner Gray, and Gio Ruggiero.
ThorSport Racing also enters with a strong roster:
Matt Crafton (No. 88)
Ty Majeski (No. 98)
Ben Rhodes (No. 99)
Luke Baldwin (No. 66)
Several young drivers are building momentum in 2025, including:
Rajah Caruth (No. 71)
Andres Perez de Lara (No. 77)
Connor Mosack (No. 81)
Also in the spotlight is Frankie Muniz, who continues to pursue his racing ambitions in the No. 33 Ford. He’ll be one of several drivers trying to prove themselves against seasoned veterans.
The Truck Series race marks the 10th event of the 2025 season, and with Carson Hocevar not entered this week, other contenders have an opportunity to gain ground in the playoff standings.
News in Brief: North Wilkesboro Speedway Weather
The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Weekend returns to its short-track roots at North Wilkesboro Speedway, blending historic charm with fierce competition. With weather likely to remain manageable, a stacked field of Cup and Truck Series drivers, and a fan-fueled All-Star Open, the event is set to deliver memorable moments both on and off the track.
Whether it’s Kyle Busch chasing another Truck Series victory, Josh Berry stepping into the All-Star spotlight, or underdogs fighting their way through the Open, there’s something at stake for every driver. And for fans, the weekend offers three full days of action, tradition, and NASCAR excellence.
Coverage begins Friday and continues through Sunday evening on FS1 and MRN. Don’t miss a lap.
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