Christopher Bell surged to a dramatic victory in the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday, overtaking Joey Logano in the closing laps after a tense battle and securing his first career All-Star Race win. The memorable showdown unfolded late in the race, just moments after the Promoter’s Caution on Lap 216, which reset the field and set the stage for a high-stakes finish between some of NASCAR’s best drivers.
For most of the event, it seemed certain that Joey Logano would claim victory, having led a record-breaking 199 of the first 200 laps with remarkable control of the No. 22 car. However, when the crucial caution arrived, strategic decisions came sharply into focus. Logano and his Penske teammate Ryan Blaney chose to stay out without changing tires, an unorthodox move that diverged from the other frontrunners, including Christopher Bell, who took two right-side tires during the pit stop.
The intensity mounted on the ensuing restart. Logano quickly reclaimed the top spot from Blaney and appeared poised to dominate, but Christopher Bell’s fresh tires made the difference. Over nearly 20 intense laps, Bell pressed for an opening, switching lanes and probing Logano’s defenses around the tight 0.625-mile circuit. On Lap 241, Bell executed a daring move—dropping to the inside, edging Logano up the track in Turn 1, and repeating the maneuver in Turn 3. As they exited Turn 4, the No. 20 machine powered ahead, marking a decisive lead change.
Despite relentless pressure in the final laps, Christopher Bell maintained control, ultimately crossing the finish line ahead of the pack. The aftermath was emotionally charged, with Logano expressing frustration during a post-race interview on FS1.
“I did all I could do to hold him off and he got under me and released the brake and gave me no option,”
Logano remarked.
“Kind of just ran me up into the wall, and if I could’ve got to him, he was going around after a move like that. I just couldn’t get back to him. Just too much to try to make up with the tire deficit.”
This intense finish not only delivers a career milestone for Christopher Bell but also sets the stage for further drama. With both Bell and Logano scheduled to race next Sunday at Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600, anticipation and tension remain high, as Logano hints at a possible rematch and the rivalry intensifies.
