Carson Hocevar and John Hunter Nemechek Race into the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race — Noah Gragson wins Fan Vote

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway is set, and two rising stars just raced their way into the spotlight. Carson Hocevar won the All-Star Open with a strong drive through the field, while John Hunter Nemechek claimed the runner-up spot to punch his ticket into the main event. One more driver, the Fan Vote winner, Noah Gragson will complete the 23-car grid.

Let’s break down how the field shapes up, who’s in, and what fans should expect from this year’s $1 million exhibition.

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All-Star Open Recap: Hocevar and Nemechek Step Up

The All-Star Open once again served as a final-chance qualifier for drivers not yet locked into the big show. Carson Hocevar, driving the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, led the charge, executing a clean race and holding off multiple challenges. John Hunter Nemechek, piloting the No. 42 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club, stayed steady and capitalized on track position late to secure second place and the final transfer spot from the race.

With both drivers advancing, all eyes now turn to the fan vote to determine the final addition to the field.

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Who’s Locked Into the 2025 All-Star Race

Eligibility for the All-Star Race is determined by the following:

Cup Series race winners from 2024 through May 2025

Former All-Star Race winners still competing full-time

Past Cup Series champions still competing full-time

Top two finishers from the All-Star Open

Fan Vote winner

Here is the updated 2025 All-Star Race starting lineup

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2025 NASCAR All-Star Race Starting Grid

1. Brad Keselowski

2. Christopher Bell

3. Ross Chastain

4. Joey Logano

5. William Byron

6. Chase Elliott

7. Ryan Blaney

8. Kyle Busch

9. Alex Bowman

10. Chris Buescher

11. Josh Berry

12. Daniel Suárez

13. Tyler Reddick

14. Chase Briscoe

15. Austin Dillon

16. Austin Cindric

17. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

18. Harrison Burton

19. Kyle Larson

20. Denny Hamlin

21. Carson Hocevar (Open Race Winner)

22. John Hunter Nemechek (Open Race Runner-Up)

23. Noah Gragson (Fan Vote Winner)

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Track and Format Overview

North Wilkesboro returns for the second year on the repaved surface, which significantly reduces tire falloff compared to the 2023 edition. Teams will have to shift strategy to maximize track position rather than relying on tire management alone.

Race format highlights:

No championship points on the line, only the $1 million prize.

Multiple stages and optional tire strategies.

Expect aggressive moves and calculated chaos, especially late in the race.

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Final Thoughts: New Blood vs. Proven Veterans

This year’s grid features an exciting mix of proven veterans like Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and Denny Hamlin, alongside emerging stars such as Josh Berry, Tyler Reddick, and now Carson Hocevar and John Hunter Nemechek. With no points on the line, drivers have every reason to take risks.

If the Open was any indication, Hocevar and Nemechek won’t just ride in the back, they’re coming to contend. Noah Gragson will also have a chance to surprise, as has happened in years past.

Stay tuned for fireworks at North Wilkesboro.