A new generation of NASCAR fans will get a chance to witness all sorts of chaos and carnage at North Wilkesboro Speedway. And for that, we’re grateful.
The 0.625-mile oval has hosted some of the greatest names in stock car racing history, but for the past 27 years, it has been decidedly quieter. The rickety ruin of a racing hub was closed down in 1996.
Or so we thought. After a lengthy spell away, NASCAR is returning there. This year’s All-Star Race will take place at North Wilkesboro, which is in the process of state-of-the-art renovations.
MORE: North Wilkesboro Speedway photos, before and after renovation
It will be an adjustment for both drivers and fans. But the chipping wood grain and concourse scarred by years of overgrown vegetation will bring a whole lot of character — and intrigue.
Whoever ends the night in victory lane won’t just make their bank account $1 million bigger. They’ll also etch their name in NASCAR history, not only as one of the precious few drivers to pick up an All-Star Race victory. But as the first one to win at North Wilkesboro since Jeff Gordon did so in 1996.
The stakes are high. The thrill should be, as well.
MORE: Watch NASCAR Cup Series races live with Fubo (free trial)
The Sporting News is tracking updates from Sunday’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Follow below for highlights and live race results at the Cup Series returns to the Blue Ridge Mountains for the first time in nearly 30 years.
NASCAR All-Star Race live updates, highlights from North Wilkesboro
(All times Eastern)
5:42 p.m.: And we’re green from North Wilkesboro. Michael McDowell attempts to go three wide on the corner but loses grip. That drops him to seventh. 97 laps remain. Ty Gibbs sitting at the front of the pack.
5:33 p.m.: Commands are through. The Open is five minutes away!
5:20 p.m.: No cars to the rear for today’s Open.
5:05 p.m.: All-Star Open set to start in about 30 minutes. Should be an enthralling affair to figure out which drivers take their spots in tonight’s All-Star Race.
MORE: North Wilkesboro Speedway, a famous NASCAR ghost, brought back to life in ‘Cars 3’
What channel is NASCAR on today?
- TV channel: FS1 (U.S.) | TSN5 (Canada)
- Live stream: FoxSports.com, Fubo
- Radio: MRN
Sunday’s race will be broadcast on FS1 in the United States. Canadian viewers can find it on TSN5.
Veteran broadcaster Mike Joy will lead the telecast as the race’s lap-by-lap announcer. He’ll be joined in the booth by Clint Bowyer and Darrell Waltrip.
Cord-cutters can follow the action on FoxSports.com, as well as with Fubo, which offers a free trial.
NASCAR start time today
- Date: Sunday, May 21
- Time: 5 p.m. ET (Open) | 8 p.m. ET (All-Star Race)
The listed start time for the NASCAR All Star Race is 8 p.m. ET, but the green flag is scheduled to be dropped at 8:14 p.m. ET. Fans can get an early racing fix by tuning in to the All Star Open at 5 p.m. ET. The Open will help to complete the field for the All-Star Race.
All-Star Race 2023 starting lineup
Start pos. | Driver | Car No. | Team |
1 | Daniel Suarez | 99 | Trackhouse Racing |
2 | Chris Buescher | 17 | RFK Racing |
3 | Joey Logano | 22 | Team Penske |
4 | Austin Dillon | 3 | Richard Childress Racing |
5 | Chase Briscoe | 14 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
6 | William Byron | 24 | Hendrick Motorsports |
7 | Christopher Bell | 20 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
8 | Brad Keselowski | 6 | RFK Racing |
9 | Denny Hamlin | 11 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
10 | Bubba Wallace | 23 | 23XI Racing |
11 | Ryan Blaney | 12 | Team Penske |
12 | Martin Truex Jr. | 19 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
13 | Chase Elliott | 9 | Hendrick Motorsports |
14 | Kyle Busch | 8 | Richard Childress Racing |
15 | Kevin Harvick | 4 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
16 | Kyle Larson | 5 | Hendrick Motorsports |
17 | Austin Cindric | 2 | Team Penske |
18 | Ross Chastain | 1 | Trackhouse Racing |
19 | Ricky Stenhouse Jr. | 47 | JTG Daugherty Racing |
20 | Tyler Reddick | 45 | 23XI Racing |
21 | Erik Jones | 43 | Legacy Motor Club |
22 | All-Star Open winner | ||
23 | All-Star Open runner-up | ||
24 | Online vote winner |
All-Star Open lineup at North Wilkesboro
Before the All-Star Race, the drivers who are not already locked into the main event will race for the remaining open spots. The starting order for this race was determined Friday through a pit crew competition.
Start pos. | Driver | Car No. | Team |
1 | Ty Gibbs | 54 | Joe Gibbs Racing |
2 | Josh Berry | 48 | Hendrick Motorsports |
3 | Corey LaJoie | 7 | Spire Motorsports |
4 | Harrison Burton | 21 | Wood Brothers Racing |
5 | Justin Haley | 31 | Kaulig Racing |
6 | Michael McDowell | 34 | Front Row Motorsports |
7 | Todd Gilliland | 38 | Front Row Motorsports |
8 | Ryan Preece | 41 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
9 | Aric Almirola | 10 | Stewart-Haas Racing |
10 | AJ Allmendinger | 16 | Kaulig Racing |
11 | Josh Bilicki | 78 | Live Fast Motorsports |
12 | Ty Dillon | 77 | Spire Motorsports |
13 | Chandler Smith | 13 | Kaulig Racing |
14 | Ryan Newman | 51 | Rick Ware Racing |
15 | Noah Gragson | 42 | Legacy Motor Club |
16 | JJ Yeley | 15 | Rick Ware Racing |