NASCAR releases names of first 18 drivers locked into All-Star Race

In rolling out the format for next month’s NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, it was also revealed there are 18 drivers already locked into the event.

To be eligible for the event, a driver must have: won a Cup Series race in 2023 or 2024, won a NASCAR All-Star Race and compete full-time, or won a Cup Series championship and compete full-time.

Those locked in are:

• AJ Allmendinger
• Christopher Bell
• Ryan Blaney
• Chris Buescher
• Kyle Busch
• William Byron
• Ross Chastain
• Chase Elliott
• Denny Hamlin
• Brad Keselowski
• Kyle Larson
• Joey Logano
• Michael McDowell
• Tyler Reddick
• Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
• Daniel Suarez
• Martin Truex Jr.
• Shane van Gisbergen

There will be two drivers (the top two finishers) who advance from the All-Star Open. A third driver will come from the fan vote, which is now open.

With three races left before the All-Star Race, a new race winner in any of those events would lock into the All-Star Race. The three races are Dover, Kansas Speedway, and Darlington Raceway.

Kyle Larson won the 2023 All-Star Race, which was held at North Wilkesboro Speedway for the first time. North Wilkesboro Speedway has since been repaved.

The NASCAR All-Star Race will be held on May 19.