Shane Van Gisbergen earned the pole position in a unique qualifying session that tested both speed and skill. Driving the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, Shane Van Gisbergen showed precision in a format unlike any other. Alongside him, strong contenders like Carson Hocevar and Noah Gragson claimed key spots near the front. The starting lineup for the NASCAR All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway is set, but the real challenge begins when the green flag drops.
Shane Van Gisbergen Shines Brightest in NASCAR All-Star Open Qualifying
The battle to enter the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race began with a standout performance from Shane Van Gisbergen, who claimed the pole for the NASCAR All-Star Open starting lineup. With a blistering three-lap effort that included a four-tire pit stop, the Rookie of the Year contender stunned fans and competitors alike by setting the fastest time of the session. Van Gisbergen clocked in at 1 minute, 28.685 seconds, earning the right to lead the field to green in Sunday’s crucial Open.
The top two finishers in the All-Star Open will move on to the All-Star Race, while one additional driver will secure a spot via the Fan Vote. For Van Gisbergen, this pole position is more than just a fast lap — it’s a major step forward in his NASCAR journey.
A Unique Qualifying Format, a Masterclass from SVG
Qualifying during All-Star weekend is far from ordinary. Unlike the usual single-lap time trials, the All-Star format demands a full lap at speed, followed by a pit road entry, a four-tire stop, and another flying lap to complete the run. The total elapsed time determines the qualifying order, and any mistakes — such as loose wheels or pit lane infractions — can be costly.
Shane Van Gisbergen, driving the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, handled this complex format with precision and aggression. Much of his advantage came from braking late into pit road, a skill honed through years of road course racing. Combine that with a lightning-fast pit stop from the Trackhouse crew, and the result was a dominant pole-winning effort.
“Yeah, I think we finally got all the things right,” Van Gisbergen said after the session. “Qualifying has been a weakness. My lap was pretty good, coming in was good, pit stop guys were insane. Thanks to WeatherTech, thanks to the Trackhouse pit crew, and we’re up front for tomorrow.”
The New Zealander added, “I’ve never started at the front for an oval so I don’t know what to do there. I have to learn the rules and see how we go.”
How about the No. 88?! @shanevg97 is fastest in Open qualifying. 👊
And the @TeamTrackhouse pit crew are having some fun! pic.twitter.com/ZzkKiYahmv
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 16, 2025
Hocevar, Gragson, and McDowell Lead the Chase for the All-Star Spot
Joining Shane Van Gisbergen on the front row is Carson Hocevar, another top Fan Vote contender. His strong performance put the No. 77 Spire Motorsports machine in second place for Sunday’s Open, giving him a prime chance to race his way into the All-Star main event.
Noah Gragson qualified third, continuing a strong year of improvement. Michael McDowell, who later celebrated a Pit Crew Challenge victory, will start fourth, and Ryan Preece rounds out the top five.
The full NASCAR All-Star Open starting lineup is as follows:
| Pos | Car | Driver |
| 1 | 88 | Shane Van Gisbergen |
| 2 | 77 | Carson Hocevar |
| 3 | 4 | Noah Gragson |
| 4 | 71 | Michael McDowell |
| 5 | 60 | Ryan Preece |
| 6 | 38 | Zane Smith |
| 7 | 7 | Justin Haley |
| 8 | 42 | |
| 9 | 54 | Ty Gibbs |
| 10 | 10 | Ty Dillon |
| 11 | 41 | Cole Custer |
| 12 | 43 | Erik Jones |
| 13 | 35 | Riley Herbst |
| 14 | 23 | Bubba Wallace |
| 15 | 15 | Cody Ware |
| 16 | 16 | AJ Allmendinger |
| 17 | 34 | Todd Gilliland |
| 18 | 66 | Chad Finchum |
The three drivers who will join the main event — the top two finishers and the Fan Vote winner — will complete the All-Star Race field Sunday night under the lights at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
All Eyes on North Wilkesboro for All-Star Glory
With All-Star Weekend underway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, attention now shifts to Sunday night’s high-stakes race. For many of the drivers in the All-Star Open, this is their last chance to make the field and compete for $1 million in prize money.
Brad Keselowski has already locked in his position on pole for the All-Star Race, while Michael McDowell’s crew secured a morale boost with their win in the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge. But before those drivers take the green flag in the main event, the Open will determine who else joins them in the spotlight.
Van Gisbergen, despite his inexperience on ovals, looks poised to surprise again. His rapid improvement and confident execution in qualifying suggest he could be a real threat — if he can handle the chaos of short-track pack racing.
News in Brief: Full Starting Lineup for the NASCAR All-Star Open
Shane Van Gisbergen has taken a major step forward by earning pole in the NASCAR All-Star Open starting lineup, showcasing talent, strategy, and speed. With Carson Hocevar, Noah Gragson, and others close behind, the battle for the final All-Star Race spots will be fierce. Fans can expect aggressive driving, smart pit calls, and a few surprises as 18 hopefuls race for just three golden tickets to the main event. Sunday night at North Wilkesboro Speedway promises to be unforgettable.
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