Everything You Need to Know: Format and Special Rules for the All-Star Open & All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro

The NASCAR All-Star Race is one of the most unique and anticipated weekends of the season, and in 2025, the spotlight once again shines on North Wilkesboro Speedway — a track steeped in history and short-track charm. But with the prestige of the event comes a very different set of formats and rules that make this race unlike any other on the calendar.

Here’s a breakdown of how the All-Star Open, the All-Star Race, and this weekend’s special rules will work at North Wilkesboro.

All-Star Open Format: A Last Chance for Glory

The All-Star Open serves as a qualifying race for drivers not already locked into the main event. It’s an intense battle for a few coveted transfer spots into the All-Star Race.

Key Details:

• Race Length: 100 laps
• Format: Three segments
  • Segment 1: 40 laps
  • Segment 2: 30 laps
  • Segment 3: 30 laps
• Advancement:
  • Winner of each segment advances to the All-Star Race
  • Fan Vote Winner (a driver not already transferred) also advances

This means four drivers will move on from the Open to join the All-Star field. The Fan Vote continues to be one of the most popular aspects of the weekend, giving fans the power to put their favorite underdog in the big show.

All-Star Race Format: Short-Track Showdown With High Stakes

Once the field is set, it’s time for the All-Star Race itself — a non-points, winner-takes-all event with bragging rights and a hefty cash prize on the line.

Race Length: 200 laps

Format:

• Stage 1: 100 laps
• Stage 2: 50 laps
• Final Stage: 50 laps

There will be caution breaks at the end of each stage, and strategy will play a major role throughout the event, especially when it comes to tire management.

Special Rules and Features for North Wilkesboro Weekend

North Wilkesboro’s return brings with it several unique rule tweaks designed to increase drama, reward skill, and honor the track’s classic roots.

Tire Strategy: Limited Sets Add Pressure

• Teams will have a limited number of tire sets for the weekend (typically four for the race), forcing smart pit calls and conservative driving early in the event.
• “Option tires” may be introduced — a softer compound with more grip but quicker wear — adding a layer of risk/reward decision-making.

No Points, All Pride

• This is a non-points event, so there are no playoff implications.
• The only thing that matters is winning — and the $1 million prize that comes with it.

Field Inversion Possibility

• After Stage 1, NASCAR reserves the right to invert part of the field, shaking up the running order and intensifying the fight to the front.
• The number of cars inverted will be determined randomly or based on a draw.

No Pass-Through Penalties on Pit Road

• In a nod to old-school racing, pit road speeding penalties won’t require a pass-through. Instead, drivers will be sent to the tail end of the field under caution.

Who’s Locked Into the All-Star Race Already?

Drivers eligible for the All-Star Race without having to race in via the Open include:

• 2024 and 2025 Cup Series race winners
• Past All-Star Race winners
• Cup champions who are full-time competitors

This automatically includes heavyweights like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron, among others.

Conclusion: Short Track, Big Drama

North Wilkesboro brings a throwback feel with modern drama. With strategy, stage racing, fan involvement, and a big-money prize on the line, the All-Star weekend is set to deliver another unforgettable show.

Whether you’re watching to see underdogs punch their ticket or superstars chase the million-dollar check, this weekend is all about pride, passion, and pure racing.