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NASCAR returns to the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for the All-Star Race this Sunday, May 21. The 0.625-mile oval in North Carolina will host a NASCAR Cup Series race for the first time since 1996.
The old-school track in North Wilkesboro is set to host the All-Star weekend as NASCAR celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The sport has changed a lot since it previously raced on the track.
Hendrick Motorsports driver Jeff Gordon was the last driver to win on the short track before its closure. No active NASCAR driver has a cup start on this famed oval in North Carolina. However, multiple drivers have participated in the Super Late Model races and the Truck Series race to get to grips with the track.
The new-generation Cup Series drivers will take on the North Wilkesboro Speedway, as they tackle the challenges thrown by the old-school track to take home $1 million.
#5 Kyle Larson
Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson is in hot form heading into the All-Star weekend. Although his recent results are scarred by wrecks caused by Ross Chastain, Larson had the pace to win those races.
The #5 Chevrolet driver is known for his adaptability, winning races on various tracks and with different vehicles. This ability gives him the edge over his competitors on the North Wilkesboro Speedway.
A two-time All-Star race winner, Larson has the best odds to take home his third million-dollar check.
#24 William Byron
William Byron has been the standout driver in the 2023 season, scoring three wins halfway through the season. Driving down the victory lane last weekend at Darlington Raceway, Byron heads into the All-Star race with huge momentum.
The #24 driver is pulling triple duty at the All-Star weekend, competing in the ASA Stars National Tour Super Late Model race on Wednesday. He finished second in the race ahead of his HMS teammate Chase Elliott.
Byron will also be starting the Tyson 250 Truck Series race to gain more experience on the track.
#4 Kevin Harvick
Kevin Harvick is still going strong in his final Cup Series season, occupying third place in the drivers standings. Harvick has consistently outperformed his #4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford.
The 47-year-old is coming off a runner-up finish at Darlington and has the experience and the skills to take on 0.635-mile oval.
The veteran driver is a two-time All-Star race winner and has the second-best odds for the weekend. Although he needs a points-paying win, winning the All-Star race will be a big boost to the team's morale.
#19 Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr. is arguably the best short-track driver on the NASCAR grid. Truex Jr. kicked off the season by winning the Busch Light Clash. With the North Wilkesboro Speedway having similar characteristics to other short tracks, the #19 driver could weave his magic around the oval.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has found his stride this season as he broke his winless streak at Dover International Speedway. Since then Truex. Jr has been in the front in the last three races.
Last weekend he was the dominant driver in Darlington but failed to convert it to a credible result. The two-time All-Star Open winner will be hoping to win his first All-Star race.
