NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — The 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race is drawing closer and closer every day.
On Sunday, May 19, the race will be held on the newly paved North Wilkesboro Speedway for the second year in a row.
The format of the race is the same as last year.
There will be two heat races to set the All-Star Race starting lineup, a 100-lap All-Star Open, and a 200-lap main event.
For the 100-lap Open, the fan vote is back. The fan favorite of the Open will get a spot in the big race.
Several new features will debut this season. These include a tire strategy element, a new Qualifying/Pit Crew Challenge format and pitting requirements.
Three different types of tires will be used for the event: a prime tire (the baseline), an option fire (slick, soft tires with more grip and faster wear) and wet weather tires.
The particulars on the tires:
- Teams will be allotted nine sets of tires for the event weekend.
- For practice, qualifying, the heat races, and the Open, teams will be allotted three sets of prime tires and two sets of option tires.
- For the All-Star Race, teams will have two sets each of primes and options.
- All four tires on the car must be of the same type at all times.
- Only the prime tire will be used during both qualifying sessions.
- For practice, the heat races, and the NASCAR All-Star Open, teams will have the option to start on any type of tire.
- All teams will start on the option tire for the All-Star Race.
The main event will have cautions at lap 100 and lap 150. At the lap 100 break, teams will have to do a four-tire pit stop using any tire of their choosing.
The results of the Pit Crew Challenges will determine pit picking order.
The Pit Crew Challenges this year will consist of the drivers taking the green flag and running a full lap at speed. On the second lap, drivers will head to a pit stall for a four-tire stop with a mock fuel delivery. Afterward, drivers will race back to the checkered flag.
The crew with the fastest stop will be the winner.
Drivers who have already earned their spot in the All-Star Race include 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 Suárez, Martin Truex Jr., and Shane van Gisbergen.