The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race was a wild ride. “North Wilkesboro – the best short track in NASCAR. It is absolutely incredible. I had so much fun last year. I sucked in the race, but racing here last year was so much fun,” said the race winner, Christopher Bell. It was great to see six leaders and 10 lead changes in the first half of the race itself. But is the track everything that affects a race?

Every lap is influenced by what crew chiefs see on their data screens, how quickly a pit crew can swap tires, and even how a caution flag gets thrown at just the right (or wrong) moment. At North Wilkesboro’s All-Star Race, the drama wasn’t just about raw speed. There was a lot of hype about ‘Promoter’s caution’ before the race, and let’s just say that continued post-race as well. But one Hendrick Motorsports driver illuminated the real game-changer that quietly changed the night’s outcome. And, he is in the Top 5.

Mr. H’s driver talks about ‘stable feet’ that run NASCAR races

Alex Bowman’s fourth-place finish at the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race might look straightforward in the box score, but the real story is far more complex. In his post-race interview, when asked about the pivotal ‘promoter’s caution’ and the chaos it created, he explained, “Honestly, we got some really good holes that worked out for us, and I got to where I was the first car on tires and, uh, unfortunately, just overheated the right rear really quickly. But it worked out better for me than some others, for sure.” While some other teams might be distraught after the uncalled caution, Bowman’s reply reflects that it could have worked out for Hendrick Motorsports. But do you know the real X-factor?

It is the tires! When asked about the impact of tires throughout the night, Bowman was clear: “I think tires mattered a lot more than last year. A lot more than we probably expected them to. So, I think that’s a really good thing, for sure. I think that’s what we all want. So it’s a step in the right direction.” The soft compound tires used played an important role in the All-Star race. Drivers with the right strategy saw the benefits immediately. They were able to stay closer to the cars in front. Others paid the price lap after lap due to tire degradation. And, things in the race looked very interesting.

The promoter’s caution, waved by Michael Waltrip at Lap 215, forced teams to make split-second decisions about whether to pit or stay out. Alex Bowman’s crew made the right call, getting him back on track with fresh tires at a crucial moment. On the other hand, drivers including Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Carson Hocevar, and Ross Chastain decided to stay out.

When the caution was thrown, Alex Bowman was running 7th, Logano was running 1st, and Blaney was running 4th. The pit stop proved beneficial for Bowman at the end as he finished the race in 4th place, thanks to a fresher set of tires. He was just 1.938 seconds behind the race winner, Christopher Bell. Logano, on the other hand, slipped to the 2nd position (+0.829 seconds). Similarly, Blaney got caught in the middle, finishing 16th, almost eight seconds behind Bell. But, North Wilkesboro did exhibit why it should be a points-race venue consideration.

When asked about what the No. 44 driver felt about the racetrack, Bowman said, “Yeah, I mean, I think a points race would probably look about like All-Star did, just with more cars. I don’t think it’s going to change a lot. I’m sure this place will wear out as time goes. So, yeah, it’s a good thing for sure.” Well, with such a great experience for most racers and a treat for the fans, only one question needs answering.

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Is North Wilkesboro ready for a full Cup Series points race?

The conversation is growing louder. After the 2025 All-Star Race, many believe the answer is a resounding ‘YES’. Alex Bowman captured the sentiment perfectly when asked if the track could deliver a great points race. However, he is not the only one.

NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick also believes the track and the All-Star race have much more potential than to be the host for an exhibition race. Harvick explained, “North Wilkesboro deserves to be a points race. A full 400-lap race, the whole field, real stakes.” Joey Logano, winner of the 2024 All-Star Race and this year’s runner-up, echoed the sentiment. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns into a points race.”

A big part of this year’s racing success came from tire choice. Asked about the impact of Goodyear’s softer “Martinsville tire,” All-Star Race winner Christopher Bell said it made a huge difference. Will NASCAR take the next step and add North Wilkesboro to the regular schedule?

With drivers, fans, and industry leaders all voicing support, the future looks bright. What do you think, should North Wilkesboro get its shot?