Brad Keselowski put on a thrilling performance at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17, 2025, holding off fierce competition to win the first of two 75-lap NASCAR All-Star Heat Races and secure the top starting spot for Sunday’s highly anticipated $1 million showdown. The No. 6 RFK Racing Ford driver battled challengers Ross Chastain and William Byron—both running on fresher tires after a mid-race pit stop—but kept his composure under pressure, finishing first and backing up his pole position earned during Friday’s qualifying rounds.
This back-to-back Heat Race win adds extra momentum to Brad Keselowski’s campaign for his first-ever NASCAR All-Star Race victory. After the checkered flag, Keselowski credited his team’s preparation, saying,
“It doesn’t hurt. It’s been a good two days for everyone on this No. 6 crew. It’s good to be running up front and running fast. This is fun.”
The elation was evident as Keselowski and his team celebrated their strong start to the weekend.
Chastain, who started from the rear, surged to a second-place finish in Heat Race 1 and will line up third for the main event.
“After starting from the tail, in a row by ourselves, just to pass three cars would’ve been progress for us,”
Chastain said.
“It feels so good to run like this. This place is as fun as it looks.”
The rest of the top finishers included William Byron, Ryan Blaney, and Alex Bowman, spotlighting a competitive field eager for Sunday’s race.
In the second Heat Race, Christopher Bell was untouchable, starting from the pole and taking a commanding win over Joey Logano by more than two seconds.
“Maybe the Mobil 1 Camry’s a million-dollar Camry,”
said Bell.
“The guys did an amazing job making this car better overnight. It was nice being able to cruise for those first 30 laps and take care of our tires. This thing was on rails.”
As the grid shapes up for Sunday’s All-Star showcase, Brad Keselowski’s pole position sets the tone for a high-stakes battle, with fellow competitors eager for their chance at glory. Victory on Saturday cements Keselowski as a clear favorite, giving him momentum and confidence as he prepares to contend for a possible career-defining win and the coveted $1 million prize. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if Keselowski can turn his commanding Heat Race performance into All-Star triumph.
