There’s something about the NASCAR All-Star Race that just feels different. Maybe it’s the wild formats, the winner-take-all stakes, or the way legends are forged in a single, unforgettable moment. Think back to 1987: Dale Earnhardt’s “pass in the grass” on Bill Elliott wasn’t just a move! It became racing folklore, the kind of highlight that gets replayed every May.
Over the years, the All-Star Race has bounced around different tracks, from Daytona to Bristol and even Texas, but it’s always been a magnet for drama, surprises, and a little bit of chaos. Now, as the spotlight has shone on North Wilkesboro Speedway since 2022, a new generation of stars write their own stories, and among them is Chase Elliott. Elliott might not have won an All-Star race at North Wilkesboro, but over the years, he seems to have warmed up to the historic short track.
Chase Elliott embraces the North Wilkesboro vibe
This year’s NASCAR All-Star Weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway is set to deliver on its promise of unpredictability and showmanship. The extended laps from 200 to 250 have teams scrambling over fuel strategy, while the “promoter’s caution” keeps everyone guessing. Extended laps mean more time for drama, and the $1 million prize for the winner ensures every driver is on edge. The format is a mix of old-school grit and new-school spectacle, designed to keep fans and teams on their toes with the spice factor going through the roof.
The All-Star Race has always been about more than just points. It’s an event where bold moves are rewarded, and the stakes are sky high. Kyle Busch said it would be “payback central” if he gets the chance to wreck someone and bring out a caution to void the promoter’s caution after lap 200. However, Chase Elliott has a more calm demeanor entering the race.
When asked about the identity of the All-Star Race, Chase Elliott was refreshingly honest. He admitted that the event’s original draw was the million-dollar prize, a jaw-dropping sum when it was first introduced in 2003. Elliott reflected that the race was created to be a fun, high-energy environment for drivers and teams, breaking away from the grind of the regular season.
As the weekend unfolded, Elliott found himself growing fonder of North Wilkesboro’s unique charm. “The energy the last couple of years here has been really fun. Just a really intimate environment for a Cup race,” Elliott shared as per PRN Live on X. He loves the close connection with fans and the throwback feel of the historic track. It’s a rare setting in today’s NASCAR landscape, and Elliott is soaking it all in. And the last time Elliott was at a throwback track for an exhibition race, he went on to win!
Elliott’s last win in NASCAR was at a non-point-paying short track race, eerily similar to the vibe at North Wilkesboro. Elliott led from the pole and charged to victory at Bowman Gray Stadium during the season-opening Clash. It was a drive that proved Elliott was still the king of short tracks. However, that glimmer disappeared during the points races as Elliott is yet to get a race win or a stage win in 2025, but a strong qualifying run may spell good fortune for the #9.
Chase Elliott: “The energy the last couple of years here has been really fun. Just a really intimate environment for a Cup race. We have that a few times throughout a season. I hope the environment’s good and hopefully the race is good.”
— PRN (@PRNlive) May 17, 2025
On the track, Elliott’s performance matched his enthusiasm. In Heat No. 2, he charged from 10th to 3rd, a drive that showcased both skill and patience. “To come from 10th to 3rd, I thought was pretty good,” he said. Elliott finished behind Heat 2 winner and runner-up Christopher Bell and Joey Logano, respectively. He was just 0.484 seconds behind Logano and 2.569 seconds behind Bell. With a sixth-place starting spot for the main event, Elliott is optimistic. “Starting 6th tomorrow, try to go to work from there.” Elliott’s optimism is understandable, especially considering his recent form and the lessons learned from last year’s All-Star Race.
In 2024, Chase Elliott’s qualifying effort at North Wilkesboro left him starting mid-pack (15th), making his night an uphill battle from the start. Despite the challenges, he managed to work his way through the field and finished a respectable eighth, showing both determination and adaptability on the tricky short track. That run gave him valuable experience and confidence for this year’s showdown.
As the All-Star Race gets spicy this year, Chase Elliott is will be rearing to get back in form and add to North Wilkesboro’s growing legacy.
Hendrick Motorsports shakes up Elliott’s crew ahead of All-Star Race
Big changes are underway for Chase Elliott’s No. 9 team as Hendrick Motorsports looks to spark a turnaround in 2025. The shakeup comes on the heels of a tough break at Kansas Speedway, where Elliott led late but lost ground after a costly pit stop error. That miscue dropped him from first to outside the top ten, extending a winless streak that’s now stretched over a year.
In response, Hendrick Motorsports made a decisive move before the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro. The team swapped rear tire changers between Elliott and Justin Haley’s No. 7 crew. Calvin Teague, who previously worked with Kyle Larson’s No. 5 car earlier this season, now joins Elliott’s pit crew. Chad Avrit, Elliott’s former rear tire changer, heads to Haley’s team. For Teague, this marks his third different team this year, a testament to Hendrick’s willingness to mix things up in pursuit of better results.
The hope is that Teague’s experience and fresh perspective will help eliminate the costly mistakes that have plagued Chase Elliott’s pit stops. With pit road playing such a crucial role in short-track races like North Wilkesboro, every second counts. Elliott’s crew will need to be flawless if he’s to convert his strong starting position into a shot at All-Star glory.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 will be Elliott’s first points race with the new pit crew arrangement. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if these changes finally help Elliott break his winless drought. Will this bold move by Hendrick Motorsports be the catalyst that propels Chase Elliott back into victory lane? Or will the search for answers continue? Let us know what you think in the comments!
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