2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway: Betting Odds, Longshot Picks, and Predictions
The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race is set to take place at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday, May 18, at 8 p.m. ET. This midseason exhibition marks the 13th race of the NASCAR Cup Series season and returns to a short track that holds a special place in NASCAR history. With the return to North Wilkesboro for a third consecutive year, the event draws the elite of the Cup Series field battling for a $1 million prize purse. While favorites dominate the betting boards, savvy bettors and fans alike are drawn to longshots and value picks that might land a sizable payday.
Key Favorites and Odds Overview
Among the front-runners, Kyle Larson carries the status of the leading favorite at +500 odds, reflecting strong confidence based on his previous All-Star Race performances. He has claimed victory at the midseason exhibition three times before—in 2019, 2021, and 2023—each at different tracks, asserting his versatility and dominance. Trailing Larson closely are Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell all at +600, followed by William Byron and Joey Logano at +800.
These odds suggest a competitive field among well-established stars, especially those from Hendrick Motorsports, of which Larson, Byron, and Chase Elliott (at around +1000) are prime examples. The concentration of favorites from Hendrick reflects their consistent performance on short tracks and at high-stakes exhibitions.
Promising Longshots Worth Considering
The All-Star Race’s allure also lies in the opportunity to back underdogs who have demonstrated recent strong form or past success. Several longshot bets with appealing upside have been highlighted by expert models and analysts:
– Chris Buescher (+1800): Had a third-place finish at North Wilkesboro last year, a result that suggests comfort and prior success on this track.
– Austin Dillon (+12500): Despite the high odds, his consistency with three top-10 finishes in the last four races lends credibility to his longshot potential.
– Ross Chastain (+2000): A betting target for those seeking a “HUGE payday,” with models simulating strong performances despite long odds.
– Tyler Reddick (Odds vary, e.g., +1200): Highlighted as a top Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) pick and a valuable longshot bet, especially considering his short-track proficiency.
– Joey Logano, William Byron (+800 range): While not extreme longshots, their value in this range offers balance between risk and likelihood of placing well.
These selections represent racers whose recent form, historical performance at North Wilkesboro, or model-driven projections reveal potential to upset the favorites.
Strategic Betting Tips and Prop Bets
Several models and expert predictions consider simulation outcomes from tens of thousands of race replications to guide betting. SportsLine’s predictive engine, recently successful in hitting multiple NASCAR winners, recommends betting volume focused on both favorites and carefully chosen longshots to maximize expected value.
Prop bets also gain popularity, such as wagering on drivers’ finishing position ranges or head-to-head matchups. For example, Christopher Bell, despite being among the favorites, offers intriguing prop bet opportunities due to his consistency and aggressive style that could yield surprises in a short, fast-paced exhibition environment.
Additionally, DFS enthusiasts recognize that longshots like Tyler Reddick or Ross Chastain contribute valuable upside when combined with solid performances of favorites like Larson or Blaney for balanced rosters and diversification.
Historical Context & Track Significance
North Wilkesboro Speedway, a 0.625-mile short track in North Carolina, is notable for its vintage charm and challenging racing conditions. After nearly 30 years of hosting NASCAR sprints from 1996 to 2023, the track’s return for multiple All-Star Races underscores the sport’s nod to tradition.
Short tracks often level the playing field as driver skill, vehicle setup, and strategy heavily influence outcomes more than sheer team resources. This unpredictability is part of what drives the interest in longshot bets and prop wagers here.
Conclusion: Balancing Favorites and Longshots for Maximum Impact
The 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro offers a compelling mix of established stars leading the odds and well-supported longshots presenting value. Kyle Larson remains the man to beat, leveraging historical success and consistent elite form. However, the congested pack of contenders including Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell ensures fierce competition.
For bettors, crafting a balanced strategy that incorporates both proven favorites and select longshots such as Chris Buescher, Austin Dillon, Ross Chastain, and Tyler Reddick can optimize the chance for rewarding outcomes. Considering the race’s short track dynamics and the unpredictable exhibition format, savvy wagering with model-backed insights and an eye for drivers’ recent performance trends is paramount.
Ultimately, North Wilkesboro’s blend of storied tradition, intense competition, and an attractive prize pool makes the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race a captivating event for fans and bettors alike, with a mix of high probability favorites and thrilling longshot opportunities.
