The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series heads to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the All-Star Race, and excitement is high, as it's an exhibition race with NASCAR returning to the track for the second consecutive year after a long absence from the Cup Series schedule since 1996.
The All-Star Race has an exciting history in NASCAR dating back to the 1985 season. Charlotte Motor Speedway hosted its first All-Star Race in 1985, where Darrell Waltrip emerged victorious, driving the #11 Chevrolet for Junior Johnson & Associates.
Since the inaugural All-Star Race, some of the biggest stars and teams have had at least one victory in the exhibition race. A total of 26 different drivers have taken the checkered flag in 39 All-Star Race.
With four victories, former Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is the most successful driver at the exhibition event in NASCAR history. Johnson took his first checkered flag in 2003, while his last win came in 2013.
Dale Earnhardt Sr., Jeff Gordon and Kyle Larson stand second with three wins in the All-Star Race all-time win list, followed by Davey Allison, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin and Kevin Harvick with two.
Hendrick Motorsports’ 11 Cup wins in the event are the most among all teams. They came in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2012, 2013, 2020, 2021, and 2023. Meanwhile, Richard Childress Racing, RFK Racing and Team Penske have won four times each.
Meanwhile, five different manufacturers have won exhibition event and Chevrolet has won the most times with 21 victories. They are followed by Ford with 13, Toyota (2), Dodge (2) and Pontiac (one).
Last 15 NASCAR All-Star Race winners, ft. Kyle Larson
The All-Star Race kicks off at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday, and seven of the 26 All-Star Race winners have entered the exhibition race.
Here’s a quick look at the last 15 All-Star Race winners:
- 2009 - Tony Stewart
- 2010 - Kurt Busch
- 2011 - Carl Edwards
- 2012 - Jimmie Johnson
- 2013 - Jimmie Johnson
- 2014 - Jamie McMurray
- 2015 - Denny Hamlin
- 2016 - Joey Logano
- 2017 - Kyle Busch
- 2018 - Kevin Harvick
- 2019 - Kyle Larson
- 2020 - Chase Elliott
- 2021 - Kyle Larson
- 2022 - Ryan Blaney
- 2023 - Kyle Larson
Catch teams and drivers in action at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday at 8 pm ET on FS1.
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