The excitement is building for NASCAR’s 2025 All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, with the starting lineups for the two heat races now officially locked in. Qualifying took place under unique and challenging conditions, testing drivers and pit crews alike with a three-lap run that included a critical four-tire pit stop. Brad Keselowski stunned fans and competitors by earning the pole for the first heat race, while Christopher Bell will lead the second heat. These heat races will set the stage for the main event on Sunday, as the 20 All-Stars battle for victory on one of NASCAR’s most historic tracks.
Brad Keselowski’s Dominant Pole Win for Heat Race 1
Brad Keselowski put together an outstanding qualifying effort to claim the pole position for the first heat race. Driving the No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing, Keselowski recorded a blistering time of 1 minute, 27.363 seconds around the 0.625-mile oval. This qualifying session was no ordinary lap — it featured a pit stop for all four tires right in the middle of the run, a challenge that tested the coordination of drivers and pit crews alike.
| Pos | Car | Driver |
| 1 | 6 | Brad Keselowski |
| 2 | 48 | Alex Bowman |
| 3 | 24 | William Byron |
| 4 | 3 | Austin Dillon |
| 5 | 45 | Tyler Reddick |
| 6 | 47 | |
| 7 | 21 | Josh Berry |
| 8 | 5 | Justin Allgaier |
| 9 | 1 | Ross Chastain |
| 10 | 12 | Ryan Blaney |
Keselowski’s performance was especially impressive given that the 2025 season has been rough for the former Cup Series champion. After the worst start to a season in his career, this pole position offered some welcome momentum. “Yeah, it’s pretty freaking cool man,” Keselowski said. “To win the pole for the All-Star Race — I’ve never done that. It’s one of the things I’ve never done in my career, and to do it by so much — like nine tenths — it’s a total team effort.”
His pit crew and crew chief Jeremy Bullins played a major role, delivering a rock-solid car and flawless pit stop execution. Keselowski admitted that this performance was a turning point, boosting the team’s confidence as they head into the heat race.
Christopher Bell Leads Heat Race 2 and Strong Competitors
Christopher Bell took the top spot in the second heat race, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 20 Toyota. Bell’s qualifying was solid, and he’ll lead a competitive field that includes notable names like Chase Briscoe, Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, and Chase Elliott.
Behind Bell, Chase Briscoe grabbed the second spot, followed by Logano and Hamlin, making Heat Race 2 packed with talent and potential fireworks. These heat races will determine starting positions for the All-Star Race’s main event, with drivers vying to gain any advantage on this historic and notoriously challenging short track.
| Pos | Car | Driver |
| 1 | 20 | Christopher Bell |
| 2 | 19 | Chase Briscoe |
| 3 | 22 | Joey Logano |
| 4 | 11 | Denny Hamlin |
| 5 | 9 | Chase Elliott |
| 6 | 8 | Kyle Busch |
| 7 | 51 | Harrison Burton |
| 8 | 17 | Chris Buescher |
| 9 | 2 | Austin Cindric |
| 10 | 99 | Daniel Suarez |
Qualifying Challenges and Pit Road Penalties Impact Drivers
The unique qualifying format at North Wilkesboro adds pressure not only to drivers but also to pit crews, and it quickly became clear how tight the margins can be. Several drivers had their qualifying efforts ruined by speeding penalties on pit road or other infractions.
Among those affected were Trackhouse Racing teammates Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain, along with Chris Buescher, Austin Cindric, and Ryan Blaney. These penalties can wipe away an otherwise strong run, underscoring how every aspect of the team must perform perfectly in this format.
Despite the setbacks for some, Keselowski and RFK Racing executed flawlessly, showing how a well-oiled pit crew can make the difference in these critical moments.
Spire Motorsports Pit Crew Shines with Pit Crew Challenge Win
While Michael McDowell didn’t make it into the All-Star Race through qualifying, his pit crew’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The No. 71 Spire Motorsports pit crew won the Pit Crew Challenge during qualifying, earning a $100,000 prize and a trophy for the fastest four-tire stop.
They narrowly beat the No. 99 Trackhouse pit crew by a mere 0.013 seconds, showing the intense level of competition off the track as well. This achievement is a testament to the importance of teamwork in NASCAR — it’s not just the driver’s skill that wins races but also the precision and speed of the crew in the pits.
News in Brief: NASCAR All-Star Race starting lineups
Brad Keselowski’s commanding pole win and Christopher Bell’s front-row start for Heat Race 2 set the stage for an intense weekend at North Wilkesboro. With pit road penalties shaking up the field and Spire Motorsports’ pit crew taking top honors, every team faces pressure to perform. The heat races will finalize the lineup for the main All-Star Race, promising an exciting showdown of NASCAR’s best drivers and crews.
Get ready for all the high-speed action this weekend—don’t miss a moment of the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro! Stay tuned for updates, results, and exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage.
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