Format Announced For NASCAR All-Star Race At North Wilkesboro
The format for this year’s NASCAR All-Star Race has been announced and it’s all about tire strategy.
Running for the second consecutive year at the freshly repaved North Wilkesboro Speedway, the May 19 All-Star Race will feature two heat races to set the starting lineup, followed by a 100-lap All-Star Open, and a 200-lap main event. The difference this year is tires.
According to a news release, potentially three different tires will be utilized throughout the event weekend. One choice is a so-called “prime tire,” the result of testing last month at North Wilkesboro. Then there’s an “option tire,” which features the same rubber as wet weather tires, giving it more grip but faster wear. Finally, race teams will be able to use a wet weather tire if track conditions warrant.
Teams will be allotted a certain number of tires for each event. For the All-Star Race, teams will have two sets each of prime and options tires.
“After a successful return to North Wilkesboro Speedway last season, we are thrilled to bring the action back to one of NASCAR’s most iconic and storied tracks,” said John Probst, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer. “The spotlight will certainly be on the crew chiefs and drivers as they plan their tire strategy for this special race. In testing, the softer tires were significantly faster — but wore much quicker. Goodyear has been an incredible partner in this All-Star element, and it will be fascinating to watch how crew chiefs and drivers manage this unique challenge.”
