While no points will be awarded this weekend at the legendary short track at North Wilkesboro, bragging rights and cash money are up for grabs when NASCAR’s best head to the hills of North Carolina for the 2024 All-Star Race. Darlington saw yet another electric finish as Brad Keselowski finally found Victory Lane as both a car owner and driver.
My apologies for getting this preview out a little late but unfortunately, we had a bit of a time with the weather in Houston the past couple of days. Thankfully we look forward to racing at a historic track this weekend to put a little salve on the wounds. Short-track racing under the lights on Sunday ought to provide some great entertainment. Let’s dive in!
2024 All-Star Race Entry List
NASCAR’s All-Star weekend features a bit of a different format from the typical race day. Only the drivers who have won between now and last year’s NASCAR race are locked into the event. The remainder of the field will hope to race their way into the festivities through the Open or win the fan vote to find themselves in the main event.
— Carson Hocevar (@CarsonHocevar) May 15, 2024
From the open, the top two finishers will advance to the 2024 All-Star Race – as well as the winner of the fan vote. Should the fan vote driver finish in the top two, the next highest finisher in the fan vote finds their way into the main event field. With no points on the line, both the Open and All-Star Race feature hard-nosed racing action. Drivers put it all on the line looking to win bragging rights and prize money. For more info on the format and how the racing works this weekend, check out this article from Hendrick Motorsports.
2024 All-Star Race Odds and Predictions
We start with the Open for odds and Ty Gibbs feels like a no-brainer at +160 to win his way into the All-Star field. The driver of the #54 ran well at Bristol earlier this year and feels on the cusp of a points-paying win. After Gibbs, Josh Berry holds the best odds at +400.
If you want more of a long shot, consider Todd Gilliland at +2800 for the open. The driver of the #38 seems to hold a bit of momentum and could surprise folks this weekend at North Wilkesboro.
Until tomorrow, North Wilkesboro. 😴⏳ pic.twitter.com/WHoZDmsp88
— North Wilkesboro Speedway (@NWBSpeedway) May 18, 2024
For the main event, Denny Hamlin holds the best odds at +380. Given his short-track success in 2024, the #11 feels like a no-brainer. I’d love to go out on a limb and pick someone else but Hamlin feels like the pick this weekend. Keep an eye on Kyle Larson as well – even though the driver of the #5 will start from the tail end of the field as he goes through qualifying for the Indianapolis 500, at +650, the value on him as a pick feels great.
For more of a dark horse – the RFK cars have continued running well on short tracks in 2024. Look at both Brad Keselowski (+1500) and Chris Buescher (+1800) to win. While NASCAR’s short track package has obviously failed to produce at the same level as the intermediate tracks in terms of on-track action, the unique tire options for Sunday featuring both a hard and soft tire might provide some additional intrigue.
Either way, I look forward to seeing NASCAR at the iconic North Wilkesboro Speedway once again.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action and keep an eye on NASCAR’s socials for any weather-related changes.
Saturday 05/18
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 9:35 a.m. CT on FS1
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying (All-Star Pit Crew Challenge) – 10:40 a.m. CT on FS1
Wright Brand 250 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 12:30 p.m. CT on FS1
All-Star Race Heat 1 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 4:20 p.m. CT on FS1
All-Star Heat Race 2 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 5:15 p.m. CT on FS1
Sunday 05/19
All-Star Open (NASCAR Cup Series) – 4:30 p.m. CT on FS1
2024 All-Star Race (NASCAR Cup Series) – 7:00 p.m. CT on FS1
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