After a quiet Sunday in Kansas where Kyle Larson quietly did what Kyle Larson does in the NASCAR Cup Series — win — we pack up and head somewhere a little smaller and louder.
Nestled in the woods right off the highway in Wilkes County, N.C., NASCAR makes its return to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the second year in a row. It’s the All-Star Race, a place where everything’s on the line and yet nothing’s really at stake. Just pride, passion and a whole lot of cash.
We don’t know who’ll walk away with the cash and the bragging rights. But we do know a few familiar names who’ll be joining the party and adding a little something extra to the weekend.
Grand Marshal
On Saturday, the green flag will fly on the 200-lap Window World 250 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and the man giving the command will be none other than Mike Skinner, the 1995 series champion.
With 28 wins, 50 poles and 231 starts, Skinner carved out a legacy as one of the early heroes of the Truck Series.
Wood Family Honored as Dignitaries
Sunday is more than just the All-Star Race, it’s a chance to celebrate 75 years of racing royalty. Wood Brothers Racing, NASCAR’s oldest active team, is being honored in the place where it made so many memories.
Founded in 1950 by Glen and Leonard Wood, this family-run powerhouse has been a pillar of the sport since before most fans today were born and has raced at North Wilkesboro since 1957.
Len Wood will wave the green flag as honorary starter, and Eddie Wood will lead the field as honorary pace car driver in a Ford Mustang Dark Horse. And the next generation — Jon Wood, alongside former All-Star winner Michael Waltrip — will give the command to start the engines.
Pre-Race Concert
On Saturday night, country star Jake Owen will hit the stage at North Wilkesboro, adding a little southern charm to an already electric weekend. Owen has nine No. 1s on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart, starting with “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” in 2011.
Autograph Sessions
Friday, May 16
Chase Elliott & Bobby Labonte: Walmart, 1801 US Hwy 421, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 Noon
Cole Custer: Ford Performance Merchandise Trailer 2:30 p.m.
Noah Gragson: Ford Performance Merchandise Trailer 2:40 p.m.
Zane Smith: Ford Performance Merchandise Trailer 2:40 p.m.
AJ Allmendinger: NASCAR Classics Merchandise Trailer 2:45 p.m.
Saturday, May 17
Daniel Suarez: Walmart, 1801 US Hwy 421, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 2 p.m.
Chase Elliott: Chase Elliott Merchandise Trailer 3:30 p.m.
William Byron: Hendrick/JRM Merchandise Trailer 3:45 p.m.
Sunday, May 18
Michael McDowell: FaithFest Sunrise Service (outside the front gates) 9:15 a.m
Austin Dillon: RCR Merchandise Trailer 2 p.m.
Ty Dillon: NASCAR Classics Merchandise Trailer 3 p.m.
John Hunter Nemechek: NASCAR Classics Merchandise Trailer 3:30 p.m.
Ross Chastain: Trackhouse Racing Merchandise Hauler (wristband required and distribution begins on Friday at hauler) 3:30 p.m.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: NASCAR Classics Merchandise Trailer 4 p.m.
Kyle Busch: RCR Merchandise Trailer 5:30 p.m.
