WHO IS RACING IN NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE? 18 DRIVERS ELIGIBLE FOR NORTH WILKESBORO
NASCAR drivers who have clinched a points event victory in either 2023 or 2024 have not just won a race; they have earned their spot in the upcoming All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17-19.
Similarly, those who have won in a previous NASCAR All-Star Race and maintain full-time status, along with drivers who boast a NASCAR Cup Series championship under their belts while competing full-time, have achieved a coveted entry into the illustrious event. The victor of the race will seize the coveted grand prize of $1 million. Yet, despite their eligibility, Shane van Gisbergen and Kyle Larson will be absent from the competition.
Despite earning his qualification for the 2024 event by clinching victory in the Cup Series race on the streets of Chicago last summer, van Gisbergen will be absent from the All-Star Race. This is due to Trackhouse and Kaulig Racing, who have chosen not to field a car for him at the North Wilkesboro Speedway.
The decision is based on his teammates, Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez, who have already secured their positions in the race. The teams have decided to limit their entries to two cars for the event. Larson's absence from the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race stems from scheduling conflicts, as he's committed to participating in the Indianapolis 500. He faces a logistical dilemma with practice and qualifying sessions in Indianapolis coinciding with the NASCAR All-Star Race weekend.
Kevin Harvick has been appointed as Larson's standby driver for practice and qualifying sessions at North Wilkesboro Speedway to ensure his seamless participation in both events. This strategic plot enables Larson to pursue "The Double," an ambitious feat involving racing in the Coca-Cola 600 and the Indy 500 on the same day.
This year's race is a straightforward 200-lap journey, punctuated by strategic competition breaks at Laps 100 and 150, injecting a twist into the customary NASCAR race format. At the Lap 100 interval, teams must perform a four-tire pit stop. Under caution or green flag conditions, all laps will contribute to the total, with NASCAR Overtime regulations applied as needed.
The paved short track, spanning 62.5 miles, presents a formidable challenge with its distinctive features: turns boasting 14 degrees of banking, a Front Stretch measuring 3 degrees, and a corresponding Back Stretch mirroring the same incline. Caution speed is set at a standstill, ensuring safety during race interruptions.
In a thrilling showdown last year, Larson won despite encountering a speeding penalty while exiting the pit road on Lap 18. His victory marked another milestone in his decorated career, as he became the sole driver to claim the $1 million top prize at three distinct venues, having previously won at All-Star Races in Charlotte and Texas.
Larson's accomplishment places him in esteemed company, tying him with legendary figures Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon for the second-most victories in the exhibition event. Larson remains one victory shy of matching Jimmie Johnson's remarkable feat of four victories in the prestigious race.
NASCAR All-Star Race initial confirmed drivers
- AJ Allmendinger
- Christopher Bell
- Ryan Blaney
- Chris Buescher
- Kyle Busch
- William Byron
- Ross Chastain
- Chase Elliott
- Denny Hamlin
- Brad Keselowski
- Kyle Larson
- Joey Logano
- Michael McDowell
- Tyler Reddick
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
- Daniel Suarez
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Shane van Gisbergen