In rolling out the format for next month’s NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, it was also revealed there are 18 drivers already locked into the event.
To be eligible for the event, a driver must have: won a Cup Series race in 2023 or 2024, won a NASCAR All-Star Race and compete full-time, or won a Cup Series championship and compete full-time.
Those locked in are:
- 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 (main image)
There will be two drivers (the top two finishers) who advance from the All-Star Open. A third driver will come from the fan vote, which is now open.
With three races left before the All-Star Race, a new race winner in any of those events would lock into the All-Star Race. The three races are Dover, Kansas Speedway, and Darlington Raceway.
Kyle Larson won the 2023 All-Star Race, which was held at North Wilkesboro Speedway for the first time. North Wilkesboro Speedway has since been repaved.
The NASCAR All-Star Race will be held on May 19.