After Brad Keselowski achieved pole position during Friday’s qualifying, Saturday’s lineup was established through a couple of heat races. Essentially, the results of Heat Race #1 determined the inside row for the All-Star Race, whereas Heat Race #2 settled the outside row, with ten drivers competing in each heat.
On Sunday, 18 drivers who had not secured their spots in the All-Star Race were set to compete in a preliminary race, dubbed the ‘Open’. The top two finishers from this event would then advance to the main race. Here’s a closer look at what transpired during Saturday’s heat races:
Heat Race #1
Brad Keselowski, representing Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing in his Ford, had faced a challenging season thus far, characterized by ups and downs. However, the atmosphere at North Wilkesboro provided a much-needed reprieve for him. In a tightly contested Heat Race #1, he managed to fend off numerous challengers to claim victory, even as a few drivers drew perilously close to overtaking him.
When the scheduled competition caution was called midway through the race, Keselowski opted to stay on the track while Ross Chastain and several others made the decision to pit and switch to fresh sticker tires. This strategic move allowed Chastain and his cohort to rapidly gain ground in the race, with Chastain managing to level up to Keselowski in a fierce battle for the lead. Unfortunately, the new tires quickly overheated while running the lower groove, leaving Chastain to defend his second-place position for the remainder of the race.
The competition heated up as Keselowski, Chastain, William Byron, and Ryan Blaney battled it out for crucial positions that would impact their starting order for the All-Star Race on Sunday. Ultimately, Chastain barely managed to retain second place ahead of Byron, while Blaney finished in fourth, followed by Alex Bowman in fifth. Josh Berry came in sixth place, with Tyler Reddick, Austin Dillon, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. rounding out the top ten. Notably, Kyle Larson did not participate in the heat race, as he was busy qualifying for the Indianapolis 500. Consequently, Larson will begin from the last row of the grid during Sunday’s event, a familiar position for him, having faced a similar scenario in the previous year.
Reflecting on his victory, Keselowski expressed satisfaction, stating, "It doesn’t hurt. It’s been a good two days for everyone on this #6 crew. It’s good to be starting up front with this Ford Mustang. To be running fast, this is fun." He also commented on the tire situation, acknowledging the challenge posed by the drivers who had opted for fresh tires: "Those guys who put tires on were really hard to hold off. I had the preferred groove and just tried to use it to my advantage. We’ll see if that’s the case tomorrow."
Heat Race #2
Christopher Bell, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in his Toyota, was in complete command throughout Heat Race #2, leading from start to finish without any significant challenges from his competitors. During the competition caution, nearly all drivers made the strategic choice to pit for fresh tires, with most opting for four new tires. However, Bell made a bold decision to take just two tires on the right side, narrowly avoiding a close call with his tire changer during the pit stop.
Chase Briscoe was the only driver who decided to gamble by staying out on the track, which briefly allowed him to take the lead. However, his advantage was short-lived as he quickly fell back through the field. Things took a turn for the worse when he spun out after making contact with Daniel Suarez, colliding with Denny Hamlin’s car in the process. This incident marked the only crash of the night, allowing Bell to focus on his lead for the remainder of the race.
Following Bell’s impressive performance, he took the checkered flag ahead of Joey Logano and Chase Elliott, who finished in second and third, respectively. Kyle Busch and Chris Buescher completed the top five. The remaining top ten consisted of Suarez, Briscoe, Austin Cindric, Harrison Burton, and Hamlin.
In a lighthearted moment after his victory, Bell remarked, "Maybe the Mobil 1 Camry is a million-dollar Camry. It’s feeling really good. I knew yesterday in practice that if they could get some rear grip in it, I felt like I had a lot of car potential. The guys did an amazing job on just making the car better overnight, and it was really refreshing to get out there and just cruise those first 30 laps. Then, I didn’t know how it was going to work with having Joey [Logano] right behind me, but this thing was on rails. I’m really happy and excited about the opportunity tomorrow."
All-Star Race Lineup
The results from the heat races set the lineup for the highly anticipated All-Star Race. Below is how the grid shaped up:
- Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing
- Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing
- Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing Team
- Joey Logano – Team Penske
- William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports
- Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports
- Ryan Blaney – Team Penske
- Kyle Busch – Richard Childress Racing
- Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports
- Chris Buescher – RFK Racing
- Josh Berry – Wood Brothers Racing
- Daniel Suarez – Trackhouse Racing Team
- Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing
- Chase Briscoe – Joe Gibbs Racing
- Austin Dillon – Richard Childress Racing
- Austin Cindric – Team Penske
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – Hyak Motorsports
- Harrison Burton – Rick Ware Racing
- Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports
- Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing
- Open Race Winner
- Open Race Runner-Up
- Fan Vote Winner
The excitement surrounding the All-Star Race was palpable, as fans anticipated competitive racing and thrilling performances from the drivers who had fought hard to secure their spots. Each competitor was poised to showcase their skills in what promised to be an exhilarating event.
As the All-Star Race approached, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Drivers were not just racing for victory; they were competing for bragging rights and the chance to claim the coveted title of All-Star champion. Fans eagerly awaited to see how the unique format of the race would impact strategies and performances, particularly with the varying tire strategies that had already proven crucial in the heat races.
The weekend at North Wilkesboro not only provided a platform for competition but also served as a reminder of the rich history and tradition of NASCAR. With the All-Star Race drawing closer, the stakes were high, and the pressure was palpable. Each driver was aware that every lap would count, and every decision made on the track could be the difference between winning and losing.
As the drivers prepared for the main event, it was clear that the heat races had set the stage for an unforgettable All-Star Race. Fans from all over were ready to cheer on their favorites, knowing that in the world of NASCAR, anything could happen, and the thrill of the race was just around the corner.
The All-Star Race was not merely a race; it was a celebration of speed, skill, and the passion that fuels the sport. Each driver brought their unique story and determination to the track, making the event a showcase of talent and resilience. As the engines roared to life and the green flag waved, fans knew they were in for a thrilling ride filled with unexpected twists and turns, highlighting why NASCAR remains one of the most exciting sports in America.
