Excitement is building in the world of NASCAR as we approach the midway point of the regular season and gear up for the highly anticipated All-Star weekend. However, what truly sets this year’s event apart is the return to the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. This legendary short track, which last hosted a NASCAR race in September 1996, is set to witness an epic showdown on May 21st, captivating both drivers and fans alike. Join us as we delve into the details of this long-awaited NASCAR All-Star Race Preview.
2023 NASCAR All-Star Race Date, Time, and Format
The action-packed All-Star weekend commences on Friday, May 19th, with Qualifying set to take place at 5:30 PM EST. Unlike the traditional hot-lapping format, this year’s lineup for the Open and Main All-Star Races will begin with the highly anticipated return of the Pit Crew Challenge.
Teams will race against the clock, executing a regular 4-tire pit stop, and the swiftness of their performance will determine the drivers’ starting positions. This electrifying event will set the starting grid for the All-Star Open, followed by two heat races on Saturday evening that will determine the first 21 spots in the main event on Sunday.
Mark your calendars for the Nascar All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday, May 21st. The green flag drops at 5:30 PM EST for the All-Star Open, with the main event scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM EST.
Chasing the Million-Dollar Dream
While the All-Star Race doesn’t contribute towards the regular season or playoffs, the allure of the $1 Million prize fuels the intense competition among drivers. This non-points earning race encourages a winner-takes-all mentality, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
The Field of Champions
In addition to its exhibition nature, the All-Star Race field is condensed from the usual 36 cars to a thrilling lineup of just 24 participants. Of these, 21 drivers have already secured their spots as auto-qualifiers based on meeting either of two criteria:
- Winning a race during the 2022 or 2023 season.
- Previously winning an All-Star race or the Cup Series Championship while currently serving as a full-time driver.
Here are the 21 drivers locked into the main event, along with their race odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook (odds current at the time of publication):
- Kyle Larson: +650
- Kevin Harvick: +750
- Joey Logano: +900
- Christopher Bell: +900
- William Byron: +1000
- Martin Truex Jr.: +1000
- Denny Hamlin: +1100
- Ross Chastain: +1200
- Chase Elliott: +1400
- Kyle Busch: +1600
- Ryan Blaney: +1800
- Tyler Reddick: +2500
- Brad Keselowski: +2500
- Chase Briscoe: +2800
- Bubba Wallace: +2800
- Daniel Suarez: +3500
- Chris Buescher: +4500
- Austin Dillon: +6500
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: +6500
- Erik Jones: +6500
- Austin Cindric: +6500
The remaining three spots will be determined by the All-Star Open race and the ongoing Fan Vote, which can be accessed through the official NASCAR website.
A Glimpse into the Unpredictable
As we prepare for this momentous event, predicting the outcome of the All-Star Race becomes a challenging task. The last time NASCAR graced North Wilkesboro Speedway was in 1996, an era when only two active Cup drivers were even old enough to hold a learner’s permit, let alone drive a race car.
The unique characteristics of this short track, with its aged concrete racing surface, promise intense tire wear and strategic maneuvering. While comparisons have been drawn to tracks like Richmond, it remains uncertain how the race will unfold. However, based on performance at similar tracks and short tracks in general, drivers such as Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Martin Truex Jr. emerge as serious contenders. Expect an aggressive display of driving reminiscent of Ross Chastain from many of the competitors, as they battle for the coveted $1 million prize.
Betting on the Unknown
Given the inherent unpredictability of this event, my betting strategy will be cautious. The uncertainty surrounding North Wilkesboro Speedway’s return after such a long absence leads me to approach the NASCAR All-Star Race with measured expectations. Nonetheless, I am eagerly looking forward to all the festivities and recommend tuning in for what promises to be an exhilarating event. Good luck to all those placing wagers, and don’t forget to catch up on rest as we gear up for the longest race of the season, the Coca-Cola 600, at Charlotte next weekend.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway is set to deliver a historic showdown that fans won’t want to miss. With the return to this iconic track and the intense competition for the $1 Million prize, the stage is set for a thrilling spectacle. Buckle up and get ready for a night of high-speed action and nail-biting moments as the best drivers in the sport go head-to-head at the All-Star Race.
