With the NASCAR Cup Series heading back to the historic North Wilkesboro speedway for the first time since what was SUPPOSED to be their final race back in 1996, NASCAR looked to one of Wilkesboro’s biggest champions to decide a groundbreaking race format for the 2023 All-Star weekend, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
With that came a good dose of old school mixed with a little bit of new. Back was the All-Star pit crew challenge only this time it decided the starting order for the twin heat races on Saturday night as well as the All-Star Open on Sunday afternoon prior to the main event that evening. The inside row competitors starred in Heat Race #1 while the outside row raced for glory in Heat Race #2.
Following the truck race earlier in the day, showers rolled into the North Wilkesboro area, dampening the track. Sweating, nearing the scheduled start time of Heat #1, NASCAR decided to make history at this OG historic facility and hold the first ever NASCAR Cup Series race to start on an oval running wet-weather tires.
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I would say that the NASCAR Cup Series first test with wet-weather tires in full-on competition was a complete success! As predicted, not a lot went on in the heat races due to drivers playing it safe. Still, we got to see the groundbreaking use of these tires on an oval which is historic in itself. Seems fitting that it was at North Wilkesboro. Following the twin heat races, Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports tweeted the full starting lineup for tomorrow night’s All-Star Race.
After fighting off a potential rival in Chase Elliott, Daniel Suarez proved that the long run speed of his Trackhouse Racing No. 99 was the superior ride on wet-weather tires. He took the lead from Elliott with command and will start on the pole for tomorrow night’s All-Star Race!
Meanwhile, Heat #2 was uncontested for Chris Buescher. He led all of the laps and won the race, claiming the outside pole for tomorrow night.
Another huge story throughout the heat races was the extra grip the wet weather tires provided. And though the wear didn’t show as much in terms of speeds on the track, they were not impervious to wear and tear.
Joey Logano stated in a post-race interview with NASCAR on FOX Reporter, Jamie Little, that he would be fine with just running the wet-weather tires tomorrow night instead of just the slicks.
As reported by Bob Pockrass, Denny Hamlin was also encouraged by the way the wet-weather tires handled on the abrasive North Wilkesboro surface.
Jason Fields said that the racing the rain tires produced reminded him of 90s era NASCAR racing. Could that be a potential fix to the short track package? Hmm…Jason thinks its at least worth a look.
Yes, trouseredapes, that No. 99 car IS fast!
Sandra Johnson is just glad to hear good ole Larry Mac back up in the booth. Just wait, Sandra…DW is coming tomorrow!
DDF friend and partner, Dale Tanhardt, is very happy about this progressive step NASCAR made tonight with its wet-condition racing tires.
As per Noah Lewis, Chase Elliott was also very happy with how the wet weather tires performed.
Bob Pockrass warned of more rain heading in their direction during the break between stages. Good thing it didn’t stop the action once it hit!
All right, Daily Downforce readers! What did y’all think about this historic step in wet-weather racing? Did you enjoy the twin heats? Where’s your favorite driver rolling off for the All-Star race? Let us know!
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Chase Pistone, a former competitor on the short track racing circuit in addition to NASCAR’s National Series, has passed away. Pistone, now a successful Legends Car owner, was 42.
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Three races in, the 2026 season is finally starting to show its hand. COTA shifted narratives, exposed weaknesses, and raised new questions about contenders, pretenders, and everything in between.
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