The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series is bringing the heat to North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina this Sunday night, as the much-anticipated NASCAR All-Star Race returns under the lights. One of the sport’s most unique and thrilling events, this year’s edition features a longer race format, expanded to 250 laps on the 0.625-mile short track, with drivers battling for a hefty \$1 million prize.
What’s New This Year?
This year, 23 drivers will compete in the All-Star Race. Out of these, 20 earned automatic berths, while two spots will be filled by the top finishers of the All-Star Open, and the final grid slot will be awarded to the Fan Vote winner. Notably, this year marks a shift in format — the race has grown from 200 laps to 250, making for a total of 156.25 miles of intense action.
Heat Races Set the Grid
Before the main event, Saturday's heat races determined the starting lineup. Brad Keselowski was the fastest in qualifying and clinched Heat 1, earning the pole position for Sunday’s race. Christopher Bell, winner of Heat 2, will start alongside Keselowski on the front row.
These heats weren’t just about grid placement — they also gave drivers a chance to adjust to track conditions and finalize setups ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes showdown.
Doubleheader Sunday: All-Star Open and Main Event
Fans can look forward to two races on Sunday. The NASCAR All-Star Open kicks off at 5 p.m. ET, serving as a final gateway for three more drivers to join the main event. The NASCAR All-Star Race itself is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Where to Watch and Stream the Race
Both the All-Star Open and All-Star Race will be broadcast live on FS1. Fans looking to stream the race can tune in via Max, the Fox Sports app, or Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
Race Length and Format Details
All-Star Race: 250 laps (156.25 miles). All laps count. There will be a competition break around Lap 100.
All-Star Open: 100 laps. A competition break is scheduled around Lap 50, and if necessary, one NASCAR Overtime attempt will be made. The top two finishers plus the Fan Vote winner will advance to the All-Star Race and start from the back.
Who Won Last Year?
Joey Logano dominated the 2024 All-Star Race, leading a commanding 199 of 200 laps, and narrowly beating Denny Hamlin by 0.636 seconds.
2025 NASCAR All-Star Race Starting Lineup
The lineup is based on the finishing order of Saturday’s heat races, with odd-numbered rows from Heat 1 and even-numbered rows from Heat 2:
1. Brad Keselowski (6), Ford – Pole position, fastest qualifier
2. Christopher Bell (20), Toyota – Heat 2 winner
3. Ross Chastain (1), Chevrolet – 2nd in Heat 1
4. Joey Logano (22), Ford – 2nd in Heat 2
5. William Byron (24), Chevrolet – 3rd in Heat 1
6. Chase Elliott (9), Chevrolet – 3rd in Heat 2
7. Ryan Blaney (12), Ford – 4th in Heat 1
8. Kyle Busch (8), Chevrolet – 4th in Heat 2
9. Alex Bowman (48), Chevrolet – 5th in Heat 1
10. Chris Buescher (17), Ford – 5th in Heat 2
11. Josh Berry (21), Ford – 6th in Heat 1
12. Daniel Suárez (99), Chevrolet – 6th in Heat 2
13. Tyler Reddick (45), Toyota – 7th in Heat 1
14. Chase Briscoe (19), Toyota – 7th in Heat 2
15. Austin Dillon (3), Chevrolet – 8th in Heat 1
16. Austin Cindric (2), Ford – 8th in Heat 2
17. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (47), Chevrolet – 9th in Heat 1
18. Harrison Burton (51), Ford – 9th in Heat 2
19. Kyle Larson (5), Chevrolet – 10th in Heat 1
20. Denny Hamlin (11), Toyota – 10th in Heat 2
21. All-Star Open winner – TBD
22. All-Star Open 2nd place – TBD
23. Fan Vote winner – TBD