The NASCAR All Star Race 2025 is set to be one of the most anticipated events on this year's motorsports calendar. Held once again at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, this edition brings fresh format changes, new drivers, and even more excitement as 23 of NASCAR's top talents compete for a $1 million prize.

A Revamped Format at North Wilkesboro

Returning to North Wilkesboro for the third consecutive time, the 2025 NASCAR All Star Race features a format that stands out from previous years. The main event now spans 250 laps—an increase of 50 laps over last year—adding to the spectacle and testing drivers' endurance and strategy skills. NASCAR.com's detailed breakdown outlines every rule change and the excitement behind each race component.

As part of the new structure, drivers qualify through a combination of speed and pit crew performance. The Pit Crew Challenge, also integrated into qualifying, plays a central role in determining pit stall selections—a key factor for the race outcome. This tweak ensures that both the driver's and crew's skills get their moment in the spotlight.

Qualifying and Race Lineup

The race lineup for the NASCAR All Star Race 2025 was determined through a series of heat races, the All-Star Open, and a fan vote. This year, 20 drivers automatically qualified, joined by the top two finishers from the All-Star Open and one driver selected via fan vote.

Among the Open highlights, Carson Hocevar claimed victory after leading the final 46 laps, securing his spot in the All-Star Race. John Hunter Nemechek, finishing second, also advanced along with Noah Gragson, who won the fan vote. For more on this exciting transfer battle, read ESPN's full recap of the All-Star Open results.

The main event will feature top stars like Brad Keselowski, Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain, and Joey Logano. Drivers will face both the extended lap count and competition breaks placed throughout the race. Every lap counts—there are no "easy" laps, making each restart and pit stop crucial.

Key Drivers to Watch

With $1 million on the table, expect fierce competition. Christopher Bell, last year's Coca-Cola 600 winner, enters with strong momentum. Veterans like Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney, and Joey Logano are proven performers in format races. Meanwhile, rookies and underdog entries, such as Hocevar, look to make history at North Wilkesboro.

NBC Sports has compiled valuable insights on which drivers to keep an eye on and what strategies may come into play as the laps wind down.

What Makes the NASCAR All Star Race 2025 Special?

The All Star Race stands apart from the regular season—with new rules, no points on the line, and a massive cash prize. The event celebrates NASCAR's top talents under a spotlight, encouraging bold moves and dramatic moments. North Wilkesboro Speedway, with its rich history and unique short-track layout, amplifies every twist and turn.

Fans can expect a festival atmosphere, unpredictable racing, and an eventual winner who must combine speed, strategy, and nerve to outlast rivals over the challenging 250 laps.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss the 2025 All Star Action

The NASCAR All Star Race 2025 promises to deliver an action-packed show with a revamped format, fierce competitors, and one of stock car racing's most storied tracks as its stage. Whether you’re tuning in for your favorite driver or curious about the new race structure, this year sets a new bar for exhilaration. For real-time updates and full results throughout the weekend, keep NASCAR.com's live All-Star lineups and results page bookmarked.