Ahead of the NASCAR All-Star race later on Sunday, 16 drivers competed in the All-Star open for a chance to earn their way into the All-Star race. The 100 lap race featured a competition caution after 40 laps of racing.
Polesitter Ty Gibbs was leading at the caution but as he took two tires he was beaten off pit road by Josh Berry. As they went green Justin Haley cut in front of Michael McDowell staking up the field causing Noah Gragson to hit the inside wall and collect Todd Gilliland, Chandler Smith and Ryan Newman.
Seven laps later Haley and McDowell wrecked after Gibbs made contact with McDowell. With 32 laps to go Gibbs would go around Berry on the outside to regain the lead. With 22 laps to go Gibbs caught up to a damaged McDowell who held him up and bumped into him allowing Berry to regain the lead.
MCDOWELL VS GIBBS!
The No. 34 takes exception to the earlier incident as the No. 54 slips up in Turns 3 & 4!@joshberry takes the lead with 22 laps to go.#NASCAR #AllStarRace pic.twitter.com/bk4So8U9K7
— NASCAR on TSN (@NASCARonTSN) May 21, 2023
Almirola would slowly begin to reel in Gibbs for the second transfer spot as Berry began to pull away.
Berry was able to win the race as Gibbs finished second. Both drivers advance to the All-Star race.
Noah Gragson earned his way into the All-Star race as the fan vote winner.
The NASCAR Cup Series returned to North Wilkesboro Speedway this weekend for the first time since 1996.
All-Star Open Results
- Josh Berry (advances to All-Star race)
- Ty Gibbs (advances to All-Star race)
- Aric Almirola
- Ryan Preece
- AJ Allmendinger
- JJ Yeley
- Noah Gragson (advances to All-Star race; fan vote)
- Ty Dillon
- Corey LaJoie
- Josh Bilicki
- Harrison Burton
- Ryan Newman
- Michael McDowell
- Justin Haley
- Todd Gilliland
- Chandler Smith