Keselowski Captures Pole Position for NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro
North Wilkesboro, NC – In a stunning display of speed and precision, Brad Keselowski secured pole position for the NASCAR All-Star Race with a standout qualifying lap at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Friday. Driving the No. 6 car for RFK Racing, Keselowski clocked a time almost a second faster than his nearest competitor, marking a significant turnaround in what has been a challenging season.
Keselowski, who had never achieved pole for the All-Star Race, lauded his team’s effort: "It’s pretty freaking cool. It’s one of the things I’ve never done in my career, and to do it by so much – like nine-tenths – it’s a total team effort."
The qualifying format included two laps with a mandatory four-tire pit stop, challenging teams to execute flawlessly. However, multiple drivers, including Keselowski’s Trackhouse Racing teammates Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain, experienced difficulties on pit road that compromised their times.
Key Qualifying Results
- Brad Keselowski (Pole) – RFK Racing
- Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing
- Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports
- Chase Briscoe – Stewart-Haas Racing
- William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports
Completing the top ten were Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, and Chase Elliott. Each will compete in two heat races on Saturday that will set the final grid for Sunday’s main event.
In addition to Keselowski’s triumph, the pit crew of Michael McDowell’s No. 71 Spire Motorsports team earned recognition for their swift performance, winning the Pit Crew Challenge with the fastest stop, narrowly defeating the No. 99 Trackhouse crew.
As the All-Star weekend unfolds, Keselowski’s position is secure, ensuring he will start from pole regardless of his performance in the heat race.
Next Steps
The upcoming heat races will finalize the lineup and set the stage for a highly competitive All-Star Race on Sunday. With Keselowski and other top contenders poised to deliver, fans eagerly await what promises to be an exciting event.
