NASCAR shakes up All-Star format, adds promoter’s caution

The NASCAR All-Star Race returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday, May 18. The exhibition event that pays $1 million to the winner features new wrinkles for 2025, including a random caution flag.

According to a press release, the 250-lap race features a “promoter’s caution,” which officials have the opportunity to throw before Lap 220. This caution will bunch the field back up and create another hectic restart.

If a natural caution occurs after Lap 200, the promoter’s caution will no longer be available.

Drivers, teams, and OEM representatives have theorized over the years that NASCAR has thrown intentional cautions to bunch the field back up and create late-race drama. This promoter’s caution creates this scenario.

Other features of the All-Star Race include the following:

• The Manufacturer Showdown. This wrinkle pits Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford teams against each other during the 250-lap event. NASCAR will determine the teams based on the drivers who lock into the All-Star Race. The manufacturer with the fewest number of representatives will determine the number of cars per team. Once the race ends, NASCAR will total the finishing positions of each manufacturer and determine the winner based on the lowest combined total.

• The All-Star Open. The preliminary event for drivers without a guaranteed spot in the All-Star Race will return. The Open will feature 100 laps with a competition caution on Lap 40. The top two finishers from the Open will advance to the All-Star Race, along with the winner of the Fan Vote.

• The Heat Races. The Cup Series teams will be in action on Saturday, May 17, while preparing for the All-Star Race. The drivers with guaranteed spots in the main event will compete in 60-lap heat races. These will set the majority of the starting lineup. The first heat race will set the inside row for the main event. The second heat race will set the outside row.

• Pit Crew Challenge. All teams are eligible to compete in the pit crew challenge. The first group competing in the Pit Crew Challenge will set the starting lineup for the Open. The second group will set the lineup for the heat races. Drivers will take one green flag lap at full speed before returning to the designated pit stall for a four-tire stop (no fuel). They will then exit pit road and race back to the checkered flag. The fastest time wins.

“The NASCAR All-Star Race continues to evolve as one of the most fun and innovative events on our calendar,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer John Probst in a statement.

“Returning to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for the third year in a row allows us to honor our sport’s roots while pushing the envelope with fresh competitive elements. The introduction of the Manufacturer Showdown brings a new layer of intensity and pride for our OEM partners, and fans can expect even more strategy, teamwork, and drama on race day.”

Full-time drivers with previous All-Star Race wins have guaranteed spots in the main event. Past champions who compete full-time also have spots. NASCAR reserved the other spots for drivers who won a points race in 2024 or ’25.

The drivers with guaranteed spots in the All-Star Race are: William Byron, Daniel Suárez, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Austin Dillon, Harrison Burton, Chase Briscoe, Chris Buescher, Ross Chastain, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Josh Berry, and Kyle Busch.