As the sun set on a thrilling weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the stage is officially set for Sunday night’s 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race. After two competitive heat races on Saturday, the first 10 rows of the starting grid have been locked in, setting up a showdown between some of the sport’s biggest names and fastest rising stars.
Brad Keselowski and Christopher Bell stole the spotlight by winning their respective heat races, earning the coveted front row for Sunday’s main event. Just one day earlier, Keselowski and Bell had already impressed by qualifying first and second during Friday’s All-Star qualifying session, showing that they are serious contenders for the $1 million prize on the line.
Meanwhile, Ross Chastain and Joey Logano, both fierce competitors in their own right, secured strong runner-up finishes in the heats, giving them the second row starting positions for the All-Star Race. Their presence near the front promises to make the early laps of Sunday’s race action-packed.
One notable storyline involves Kyle Larson, who was unable to participate in the heat races as he was busy qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 on Saturday. Larson will start 19th on the grid, and fans will be watching closely to see if the talented driver can work his way through the pack during the race.
Front Row and Key Contenders from Heat Races
Keselowski and Bell’s performances in the heat races set a fast pace for the weekend. Keselowski’s experience combined with Bell’s aggressive style could prove a powerful combination at the half-mile North Wilkesboro track. Their front-row starts are well-deserved rewards for strong qualifying and heat runs.
Ross Chastain, known for his fearless driving, and Joey Logano, a former Cup Series champion, were not far behind. Their second-row starting spots will give them a prime opportunity to challenge the leaders early and possibly disrupt the front-row duo.
Kyle Larson’s situation is a reminder of the unique scheduling challenges drivers face when competing in multiple top-level motorsports events. Starting deep in the field, Larson will have his work cut out for him, but his proven skill on short tracks should not be underestimated.
Full Starting Lineup Breakdown
Beyond the front two rows, the lineup features many of NASCAR’s biggest stars, all eager to compete in this non-points event with a huge purse.
Starting in 5th position is William Byron, fresh off a solid season and hungry for All-Star success. Chase Elliott will start 6th, hoping to turn his qualifying speed into race-day performance. Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch, and Alex Bowman round out the top 10, ensuring a competitive midfield battle.
| Pos | Car | Driver |
| 1 | 6 | Brad Keselowski |
| 2 | 20 | Christopher Bell |
| 3 | 1 | Ross Chastain |
| 4 | 22 | Joey Logano |
| 5 | 24 | William Byron |
| 6 | 9 | Chase Elliott |
| 7 | 12 | Ryan Blaney |
| 8 | 8 | Kyle Busch |
| 9 | 48 | Alex Bowman |
| 10 | 17 | Chris Buescher |
| 11 | 21 | Josh Berry |
| 12 | 99 | Daniel Suarez |
| 13 | 45 | Tyler Reddick |
| 14 | 19 | Chase Briscoe |
| 15 | 3 | Austin Dillon |
| 16 | 2 | Austin Cindric |
| 17 | 47 | |
| 18 | 51 | Harrison Burton |
| 19 | 5 | Kyle Larson |
| 20 | 11 | Denny Hamlin |
| 21 | TBD | All-Star Open Winner |
| 22 | TBD | All-Star Open Second-Place Finisher |
| 23 | TBD | Fan Vote Winner |
Other notable starters include Tyler Reddick in 13th, Chase Briscoe in 14th, and Austin Dillon and Austin Cindric starting 15th and 16th respectively. The 20th spot will be held by Denny Hamlin, a fan favorite and perennial race winner.
Positions 21 through 23 remain open heading into Sunday, as the top two finishers in the NASCAR All-Star Open race will fill the 21st and 22nd spots. The final position, 23rd on the grid, will be awarded to the winner of the fan vote, giving one lucky driver an unexpected shot at glory.
This structure keeps the excitement alive throughout the weekend, allowing drivers outside the initial qualifying cutoff to earn their place in the main event.
What to Expect in Sunday’s All-Star Race
Sunday’s race promises a high-octane spectacle. The combination of seasoned veterans, hungry contenders, and a few surprise entrants from the Open and fan vote guarantees intense competition on the historic North Wilkesboro oval.
Drivers will need to balance aggression with patience as they battle through traffic, especially those like Kyle Larson starting deeper in the field. Meanwhile, front-row starters Keselowski and Bell will aim to control the pace and avoid costly mistakes.
Fans can catch all the action live on FS1, with the All-Star Open kicking off at 5 p.m. ET and the main race flag dropping at 8 p.m. ET. SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and the NASCAR Race Hub Network will provide additional coverage and analysis.
The All-Star Race remains one of the most unpredictable and thrilling events on the NASCAR calendar, and with this talented lineup, the 2025 edition is poised to deliver memorable moments.
News in Brief: NASCAR All-Star Race Starting Lineup Set
With the starting lineup finalized, anticipation is building for Sunday night’s NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The blend of front-row speed, fierce midfield contenders, and drivers battling through the Open and fan vote ensures a diverse and dynamic field.
Whether it’s the veteran savvy of Brad Keselowski, the youthful fire of Christopher Bell, or the comeback charge from Kyle Larson, fans are guaranteed edge-of-the-seat racing from start to finish.
ALSO READ: Starting Lineups Set for NASCAR All-Star Race Heat Races at North Wilkesboro
