The historic North Wilkesboro Speedway is ready to roar back to life as it hosts the 10th race of the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. With 35 drivers vying for victory in the Window World 250, all eyes turn to Saturday’s qualifying to determine who will start up front on the legendary short track.
The green flag for the 250-lap event is set to wave at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 17, promising a day of action in North Carolina. But before that, drivers will take to the 0.625-mile paved oval for a crucial qualifying session to decide starting positions. The qualifying session kicks off at 10:35 a.m. ET, following practice at 9:35 a.m. ET.
This race marks a return to one of NASCAR’s most beloved tracks, with North Wilkesboro having reopened in recent years to enthusiastic fanfare. The stakes are high — especially for Corey Heim, the 2024 winner at Wilkesboro, who will look to go back-to-back and build on what has already been a strong season with Tricon Garage.
North Wilkesboro’s Legacy Adds Drama to Saturday’s Showdown
Opened in 1947, North Wilkesboro Speedway is a throwback to NASCAR’s earliest days. With its tight corners and aging surface, the track provides a unique challenge that stands in contrast to the modern intermediate and superspeedway layouts that dominate much of the schedule. Drivers must navigate tire wear, braking zones, and close-quarters racing in what has become one of the most entertaining events of the Truck Series season.
The Window World 250 covers 156.25 miles over 250 laps and often brings out the best in both veterans and rising stars. Last season, Corey Heim emerged victorious after a thrilling late-race battle. He returns in 2025 with momentum, and a strong qualifying effort could set him up to repeat.
Qualifying Format: Two Groups, One Shot at Pole
Like many short-track events in the Truck Series, qualifying will be split into two groups — Group A and Group B — to manage track congestion and provide a fair run for each team. Each driver gets one timed lap to post their best effort, and the fastest overall lap will determine the pole sitter for Saturday’s race.
We’re headed to @NWBSpeedway for some short-track truckin’. pic.twitter.com/64XFgLrW3U
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) May 15, 2025
The qualifying order was released by veteran NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass, showing who hits the track first and last in each group.
Qualifying order for North Wilkesboro. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/5dVUal29Jo
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 14, 2025
Group A Qualifying Order
Drivers in Group A will set the tone for the session, with Ryan Roulette leading the field onto the track. Here’s how the order looks:
Pos. | Driver Name | Truck No. |
1 | Ryan Roulette | No. 67 |
2 | Norm Benning | No. 6 |
3 | Patrick Emerling | No. 75 |
4 | Justin Carroll | No. 90 |
5 | Jayson Alexander | No. 02 |
6 | Luke Baldwin | No. 66 |
7 | Frankie Muniz | No. 33 |
8 | Tyler Tomassi | No. 22 |
9 | Layne Riggs | No. 34 |
10 | Derek White | No. 2 |
11 | Spencer Boyd | No. 76 |
12 | Tanner Gray | No. 15 |
13 | Conner Jones | No. 44 |
14 | Jack Wood | No. 91 |
15 | Toni Breidinger | No. 5 |
16 | Andres Perez de Lara | No. 77 |
17 | Connor Mosack | No. 81 |
18 | Rajah Caruth | No. 71 |
Notably, Frankie Muniz, best known for his transition from acting to full-time stock car racing, will take his qualifying run mid-pack. Rising talents like Layne Riggs and Rajah Caruth also headline this group, alongside returning veterans like Norm Benning.
Group B Qualifying Order
Group B will follow immediately, with Dawson Sutton taking the first shot in this half of the field. The group includes a host of front-running contenders and former champions:
Pos. | Driver Name | Truck No. |
1 | Dawson Sutton | No. 26 |
2 | Matt Mills | No. 42 |
3 | Matt Crafton | No. 88 |
4 | Chandler Smith | No. 38 |
5 | Tyler Ankrum | No. 18 |
6 | Ty Majeski | No. 98 |
7 | Ben Rhodes | No. 99 |
8 | Brent Crews | No. 1 |
9 | Kaden Honeycutt | No. 45 |
10 | Grant Enfinger | No. 9 |
11 | Daniel Hemric | No. 19 |
12 | Stewart Friesen | No. 52 |
13 | Jake Garcia | No. 13 |
14 | Gio Ruggiero | No. 17 |
15 | Sammy Smith | No. 7 |
16 | Kyle Busch | No. 07 |
17 | Corey Heim | No. 11 |
Group B may prove decisive, with heavy hitters such as Ben Rhodes, Ty Majeski, Kyle Busch, and Corey Heim all running late in the session when track conditions may improve. The battle for pole will likely come down to this group.
Corey Heim Returns to Defend 2024 Victory
Reigning North Wilkesboro winner Corey Heim is among the favorites again. He has proven his strength on short tracks and has adapted well to Wilkesboro’s throwback character. Driving for Tricon Garage, Heim has momentum on his side and a strong qualifying lap could put him in prime position to control the race’s early stages.
Joining him in the spotlight is Kyle Busch, making one of his limited Truck Series starts this season. Busch is always a threat to win whenever he straps into a truck and will bring a mix of veteran savvy and sheer speed to the field.
How to Watch the Window World 250
Fans eager to catch the excitement live can tune in to FS1 for race coverage, or listen on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio for live commentary from North Wilkesboro. With a perfect mix of rookies, veterans, and comeback stories, the 2025 Window World 250 promises to be a must-watch event.
News in Brief: 2025 NASCAR Truck Series North Wilkesboro Qualifying Order
As NASCAR continues to blend its rich history with the modern era, North Wilkesboro remains a shining example of why short-track racing still matters. The Window World 250 isn’t just another race — it’s a throwback fight on one of the sport’s most iconic battlegrounds.
With 35 drivers locked in and ready, and the qualifying order now set, all that’s left is to let the rubber hit the road. Will Corey Heim defend his crown? Can a new face rise to the top? Saturday’s action will give fans the answers they’re waiting for.
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