Christopher Bell loves North Wilkesboro Speedway, and Joey Logano hates the “Promoter’s Caution.”

Those were the main takeaways from the top two finishers in an action-packed NASCAR All-Star Race at the 0.625-mile oval in North Wilkesboro, N.C.

In a slam-bang affair that set a record for lead changes, Bell beat Logano by 0.829 seconds to earn his first All-Star Race victory. Bell, who won three consecutive Cup Series races earlier this season but had a previous best All-Star finish of 10th, delivered the third All-Star Race win for Joe Gibbs Racing.

“That right there is absolutely incredible,” Bell said. “North Wilkesboro, best short track on the schedule.”

He also is a fan of Marcus Smith, the president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports that owns North Wilkesboro Speedway. In a new All-Star Race wrinkle, Smith was allowed to choose when to throw a “Promoter’s Caution” that would bunch the field for a late restart.

Smith sent two-time Daytona 500 winner and Fox Sports personality Michael Waltrip to the flag stand to display the random yellow flag on Lap 217 with Logano leading by about a half-second over Bell.

Logano, who was trying to win his second consecutive All-Star Race, elected to stay on track rather than pit during the caution, and the decision proved costly. Bell pitted for two fresh tires, restarted in sixth and needed only five laps to catch Logano. After a battle for first that lasted a dozen laps, Bell took the lead for good on Lap 241 of 250.

“I’m pissed off right now,” said Logano, who led a race-high 139 laps. “Just dang it, we had the fastest car. I’m trying to choose my words correctly on the caution situation. Obviously, I got bit by it, so I am the one frustrated.”

It was a stark turnaround for the defending Cup Series champion, who recently said he supported the “Promoter’s Caution” because “the All-Star Race presents the opportunity to try things outside of the box.” But he was questioning its validity after Sunday’s race.

“Yeah, I’m all about no gimmicks with the caution,” Logano said. “I am all about that. Me and Marcus Smith aren’t seeing eye to eye right now, OK? I’ve got to have a word with him.”

Ross Chastain finished third, followed by Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott.

The “Promoter’s Caution” was introduced to guarantee an exciting finish, but the All-Star Race hardly needed much help this year.

After lackluster showings in the first two outings, the All-Star Race delivered much more action in its third year at North Wilkesboro Speedway. There were 18 lead changes, breaking the mark of 13 (set in 2016) for the most in the event’s 41-year history.

Pole-sitter Brad Keselowski and Logano traded the lead twice in the first 10 laps and often ran side by side for the lead. There were six leaders and 10 lead changes in the first half of the race, which topped the total number of leaders (four) and lead changes (five) in the past two All-Star Races combined.

After leading 62 laps, Keselowski’s bid for his first All-Star Race victory ended with a crash on Lap 177.

All-Star Open results

Capitalizing on pit strategy, Carson Hocevar led the final 46 laps to win the All-Star Open earlier Sunday and advanced into the NASCAR All-Star Race.

Runner-up John Hunter Nemechek also advanced to the main event by finishing second in the 100-lap warmup race. Noah Gragson won an online fan vote to earn the final transfer spot to the All-Star Race, whose field will included 20 other drivers competing for $1 million.

Pole-sitter Shane van Gisbergen finished 13th after leading the first 54 laps on the 0.625-mile oval. The New Zealand native, who is in his first full Cup Series season after winning three Supercar championships in Australia, fell from first to sixth on a four-tire pit stop during the halfway caution.

“I don’t know whether to smile or cry,” said van Gisbergen, who is ranked 35th in the points standings with one top 10 this season. “It’s been a dismal year for us, but I feel like we’re getting better every week. This shows it.”

More money

The All-Star Race winner’s share has been $1 million since the 2003 event, and some drivers have grumbled that an increase for inflation is well overdue.

“I definitely think it should get raised,” 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney said this week. “That’s the only thing about the All-Star Race I’d probably change. I don’t want to get greedy, but I think you can raise it to $3 million.”

Bubba Wallace said he’d suggest $5 million but would be good for a bump to $3 million.

“They’ve got more TV money, so why not,” Wallace said, referring to NASCAR’s media rights raising to $1.1 billion annually in a deal starting this year.

Up next

The Cup Series will race May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600, the longest race of the season. Christopher Bell won last year’s race, which was shortened from 600 to 374 miles by rain.

Kyle Larson missed the 2024 race after arriving late because the Indianapolis 500 was delayed by rain. The Hendrick Motorsports star again will attempt to become the fifth driver to race the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

INDIANAPOLIS — Two-time defending Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden and Team Penske teammate Will Power will have to start from the final two spots on the grid Sunday after their teams were penalized for violating the rules during qualifying weekend.

IndyCar also announced Monday that the team strategists for the Nos. 2 and 12 have been suspended for the race; the cars will forfeit their qualification points and pit box selections; and each of the entries has been fined $100,000.

It’s the second time in just over a year that Team Penske’s IndyCar program has been embroiled in controversy.

“The integrity of the Indianapolis 500 is paramount,” IndyCar president Doug Boles said. “As we look to the remainder of the week and race weekend, we will do everything we can to make it clear that this is not only the best racing on the planet but racing where the best win under completely fair conditions.”

The trouble for Team Penske began before the fast 12 shootout Sunday, when rival team owner Chip Ganassi was among a chorus of competitors who accused it of cheating. They noticed unapproved changes had been made to the rear attenuator, a safety device designed to absorb and deduce the force of impacts, and the assumption was the modifications would have given the two Team Penske cars an aerodynamic advantage in their four-lap qualifying runs.

Tim Cindric, the president of Penske’s IndyCar program, said Power passed inspection but officials had flagged Newgarden’s car, and he was told neither would pass inspection after making their runs. So, the cars were pulled from the lineup altogether.

Boles initially said late Sunday that Newgarden and Power would join teammate Scott McLaughlin — who had crashed in practice on Sunday and was unable to make a qualifying run — in the fourth row for the race. But after the series gathered more facts and considered the case, the decision was made to put Newgarden in the 32nd starting spot and Will Power in the 33rd.

McLaughlin will keep the 10th starting spot because his wrecked car was found to have used a legal attenuator.

“This violation of the IndyCar rule against modification to this part and using it ‘as supplied’ is clear,” Boles said. “The penalty should be more than simply starting where the cars might have qualified anyway, if given the opportunity. The cars belong in the field as two of the fastest 33, however, starting on the tail of the field is the appropriate penalty in this instance.”

One year ago, Team Penske was caught in a push-to-pass scandal in which Newgarden was found to have access to an additional boost of horsepower when he should not have at the season-opener. He was stripped of his win and team owner Roger Penske — who also owns IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway — suspended Cindric for two races, including the Indy 500.

Also suspended were managing director Ron Ruzewski, Newgarden engineer Luke Mason and data engineer Robbie Atkinson.

Cindric and Ruzewski will now miss their second consecutive Indy 500.

“As far as I’m concerned, this case is closed,” Boles said.

Newgarden, who is trying to become the first driver in 109 years to win three consecutive Indy 500s, was a contender to win the pole. He was seen running off his anger in the infield of the speedway Sunday as another qualifying session roared on.

Pato O’Ward, who drives for rival Arrow McLaren, said after qualifying on the front row that IndyCar should have penalized the Penske cars by making them run in a last-chance qualifier to re-earn spots on the 33-car starting grid. He also expressed sympathy for the four drivers who had to compete for the final three spots with Jacob Abel missing the race.

“I feel bad for Abel and everybody who did the last-chance qualifying. Those cars weren’t in regulation,” O’Ward said of the two Penske cars. “Those cars should have been in the last-chance qualifier … because they had that (Saturday), I guarantee you.”

O’Ward also openly wondered why Team Penske continues to push the envelope on rules.

“It’s a shame,” he said. “They’re a great team. They have great drivers. Why are you doing that? It makes no sense.”

AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer contributed to this report

Originally Published: May 19, 2025 at 11:16 AM CDT

Mooresville, NC (May 19, 2025) NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver, Spencer Boyd announced today that Canal Coffee Co.™ has joined the team as a primary sponsor for the Memorial Day Weekend race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Founded in 2023, Canal Coffee Co. is a family-owned, drive-thru coffee shop serving specialty drinks, hot breakfast, baked goods, and lunch.

“The words ‘coffee’ and ‘drive-thru’ are my love language,” laughed an early rising Spencer Boyd. “In our sport with early mornings and late nights, we are honestly fueled by two things, coffee and race fuel. The fact that I can drive through for my morning routine makes the moment I arrive at the shop that much more productive. This sponsorship launches at a great time given Canal Coffee’s commitment to the military and first responder community and the NASCAR Salutes campaign. I’m looking forward to all the fun things we will do together!”

Every day, Canal Coffee proudly offers a 10% discount to all active or retired firefighters, police, EMS, and military personnel at all locations, as a small way to thank them for their service.

Salina Millen, Regional Director for Community Relations commented, “As a small, family-owned business, we’re passionate about giving back to the communities that support us. Through our “Coffee that Cares” initiative, we partner with local schools, first responders, and nonprofit organizations to make a meaningful difference. To have our very own race truck racing on one of NASCAR’s crown jewel weekends is a great way to let people know about us as a company.”

Canal Coffee will be serving from their mobile coffee truck all race weekend long near Bruton Smith Blvd and Sandusky Blvd. Known for its small-batch coffees from artisan roasters, Canal Coffee Co.’s baristas are ready to serve hot or cold specialty drinks – Including Freedom Fuel, the Lotus-based drink created specifically for Spencer’s team and fans.

“We always get excited about this race,” continued Boyd. “It’s the home track for many of us. We honor our military. There is just a lot of buzz around it. As a race track, I love Charlotte Motor Speedway because of the character the surface has and the racing it produces. Our Freedom Racing Enterprises team has assembled a great piece for the No. 76 Canal Coffee Chevrolet Silverado to make it’s debut!”
Catch Spencer Boyd driving the Canal Coffee race truck at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race, the North Carolina Education Lottery 200, on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET. This exciting race, part of the Coca-Cola 600 weekend, will be broadcast live on FS1.

About Canal Coffee Co.
We are dedicated to supporting local communities by contributing a portion of our sales to causes we believe in. With locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida, Canal Coffee Co. continues to grow and spread joy.

For more information, visit canalcoffeecompany.com/contact
Follow us on Instagram: @canalcoffeecompany, Facebook: Canal Coffee Company X: @canalcoffeeco

A Need for Speed: Motorsports at UNC Charlotte

UNC Charlotte is located within 50 miles of 90% of NASCAR teams and prepares industry-ready engineers and drivers, and numerous other opportunities for Niners. Here are a few examples of the University’s connection to motorsports.

Layne Riggs ’24 raced his Ford, featuring UNC Charlotte branding, this past Friday night in North Wilkesboro, finishing 2nd. He races again Friday, May 23, during Coca-Cola 600 race weekend. Heather Hadley ’24 was featured in “First to Finish ” on Amazon Prime.

Students from the School of Data Science recently partnered with 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan.

UNC Charlotte Formula SAE, a student-led design-build-race team, competed at Michigan International Speedway May 14-17. This year’s design was inspired by the paint scheme of Alan Kulwicki’s NASCAR championship winning car.

what you need to know

• B.S. in Sports Analytics: UNC Charlotte is enrolling students for a novel Bachelor of Science in Sports Analytics, beginning fall 2025. This first-of-its-kind degree, the only one in the Southeastern United States, is a collaboration between Charlotte’s School of Data Science and College of Health and Human Services.
• Instructor on Shortlist for International Award: Asa Yoneda, instructor of Japanese translation, was named to the shortlist for the International Booker Prize, the world’s most influential award for translated fiction.
• Alumnus Up for Kids’ Choice Award: “Danny Go!” — a kid’s show co-created and hosted by Daniel Coleman ’10 — is nominated for a Kids’ Choice Award. In 2019, Coleman left his role as a senior content producer at Lowe’s to start a media company with three childhood friends.
• Faces of American Innovation: Jennifer Pagán ’99, ’00 M.S., ’07 Ph.D. has been recognized as one of the Bayh-Dole Coalition’s 2025 “Faces of American Innovation” for her revolutionary water disinfection technology using UV-C LED light.

Sharpen You AI Skills

UNC Charlotte now offers an online training course, “Getting Started with Prompts for Generative AI,” designed for faculty, staff and students. Whether exploring AI for the first time or looking to improve your skills, this course provides a practical introduction to writing effective prompts that get results.

additional news, events and announcements: Faculty and staff

• Concur Virtual Forum: Attend the Concur User Group virtual forum from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May. 22. Registration is encouraged on the learning and development portal.
• 49er Mart Virtual Forum: 49er Mart users are invited to attend a virtual forum from 2 to 4 p.m., Thursday, May 22. Registration is encouraged on the learning and development portal, and more information is on the 49er Mart message board.
• 49er Mart Reminder: 49er Mart will be unavailable during system maintenance starting at 7 p.m., Friday, May 23, through 11 p.m., Monday, May 26.
• Cost-Share Process: Learn the essentials of processing cost shares on externally funded awards, including requirements for submissions, best practices and deadlines by registering for a training, scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, June 5.
• Japanese Culture Poster Showcase: Students who have a passion for Japanese culture recently showcased their experiences during a poster presentation highlighting the spring break faculty-led program “Japan: Japanese Cities in the Age of the Shoguns.”
• Digital Communication Workshop: Register for “Digital Communication: Strategies for University Success and Efficient Email Management ,” part of human resources’ Unleash Your Niner Potential series for Charlotte employees, scheduled for 9 to 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 3, in Colvard Building, Room 5092.

only at charlotte

UNC Charlotte researchers Pinku Mukherjee and Susan Trammell are among this year’s recipients of grant funding from NCInnovation, a nonprofit organization that helps unlock the innovative potential of North Carolina’s world-class public universities.

around campus

Jen Jacobs from the College of Arts + Architecture shared this awesome photo of a crane cooling off by Hechenbleikner Lake! Send your photos from around campus this summer to ninerinsider@charlotte.edu.

campus resources

join the niner conversation on social media

There are a lot of ways to stay up-to-date and show your Niner pride. Make sure to follow Charlotte on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

what do you think?

What would you like to see included in this email? Complete this form with your feedback. We want to hear from you!

A great night of racing on Cookies BBQ night at the Shelby County Speedway on a beautiful evening in Harlan. A total of 132 cars checked in and provided well balanced fields of cars throughout the six classes.

Action got underway in the Keast Motors IMCA Sport Mod class. Heats were won by Breanna Pfanstiel, Chase Monson and Jake Newsom. The B feature was taken by Joe Feyen as the top 5 transferred to the main. In the A Main Pfanstiel looked to be in charge of the race as she led a good portion of the race. But here came Corey Madden passing his way to the front to pick up the win with a charging Brayden Shepard finishing second, Cody Olson in third, Cameron Meyer in fourth and Pfanstiel rounded out the top 5.

KNOD IMCA Hobby Stock heat race winners were Brian Buboltz, Jason Tetzlaff and Andrew Burg. In an exciting feature event Tetzlaff and Kris Chadwick started in the front row and had a battle for the lead. Eventually Andrew Burg raced his way to the lead and the win over Colby Christensen who came from the 12th starting position to grab second. Joel Magee captured third, Chadwick fourth and Blake Luinenburg finished in fifth.

Thirty-two Atlantic Bottling Coca-Cola IMCA Sport Compacts signed in and put on a show. The heat race winners were Zach Day, Trent Reed, Anthony Clark and Gilbert Aldape. In the B feature Caine Mahlberg picked up the win. A Feature action saw Anthony Clark use the front row start and took the lead and never looked back. Zach Day passed his way into second John Logan third in a good run. Shannon Mahlberg finished fourth and Tanner Hoffman captured fifth. This class went green to checker without a caution. Great job by these drivers.

Western Iowa Vintage action saw Larry Knop take the main event after some close racing action. Some fun racing for the nostalgia racer.

In the class too tough to tame, the Murphy Equipment IMCA Stock Cars. Heat winners were Mike Albertsen, Mike Vondrak and Austin Meiners.

In feature action Vondrak and Larry Robinson started in the front row and battled for the lead. But in the back-and-forth action Braden Richards found himself in the front again and went on for the win. Larry Robinson Jr captured second place, Mike Albertsen was third, Riley Christensen fourth and Austin Meiners finished in fifth . Always a great field of competitors in this class.

The final of the night was the Sorensen Equipment IMCA Late Models. Those ground pounding cars we all love. Heats were won by Zach Zeitner, Allan Hopp and Brandon Baker. Baker in his late model rookie season had an impressive run. Feature action saw Robbie Jorgensen do a masterful job as he took the lead and wheeled his car to victory over a charging Nick Deal who started in the 21 st position and was able to pass cars all the way into second but get no closer. Drew Baker finished third , Mike Collins was fourth and Aiden Mohr captured fifth.

A big thank you to all the drivers, crews and race fans for a great night at SCS that always entertains. Please be here next Saturday May 24. All regular classes plus Joe’s Carting Mini-Mods. Follow us on Facebook and listen to our Podcast “Shelby County Speedway Dirt Talk” on all major platforms.

The third edition of the North Wilkesboro All-Star Race was a good one with a record number of lead changes and plenty of action from start to finish. The field of 23 included race winners from the previous year, former All-Star winners, and Cup champions. Carson Hocevar and John Hunter Nemechek raced their way into the field via the Open while Noah Gragson claimed the final spot on the grid, via the Fan Vote.

Christopher Bell went on to win the race with an aggressive late-race pass for the lead while Joey Logano finished second, failing to go back-to-back in the exhibition race. 

Now, let’s take a look at the biggest winners and losers from the weekend…

WINNER: North Wilkesboro proves it deserves a points race

Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

Photo by: David Jensen / Getty Images

The NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro featured far better racing than the previous two years as the track begins to age. Perhaps the most exciting short track now on the schedule, the event featured 18 lead changes — the most in All-Star Race history. Of the 23 starters, eight different drivers took a turn out front, and the closing laps showcased a thrilling three-way battle for the win. In fact, the race was good enough that many think the historic short track shouldn’t just host the All-Star Race in the future, but actually deserves a points-paying date on the championship calendar.

LOSER: The promoter’s caution, and not just because Michael Waltrip dropped the flag

This was a controversial concept when first introduced and it was handled in a rather amusing, but honestly, corny way. 1996 All-Star Race winner Michael Waltrip ascended the flagstand, engaging with the crowd as we waited for him to throw the yellow at any point of his choosing, but before 30 laps to go. Just as this was unfolding, Kyle Larson clobbered the wall and slowed down abruptly. Before a natural caution could occur, Waltrip quickly waved the yellow … and then dropped it onto the actual race track as fireworks were launched into the air. It’s a bit funny how the entire point of the yellow flag was to spice things up, but there was likely to be a natural caution anyway at that point. In the future, this ‘gimmick’ yellow probably isn’t necessary and if NASCAR really wants to break up the action, just include a scheduled competition caution instead.

WINNER: Bell for earning a big payday 

Watch: Christopher Bell: ‘Absolutely incredible’ to win All-Star Race

Bell is an All-Star Race winner for the first time in his career. He finished no higher than tenth in his previous four attempts, but Bell was fast all weekend at North Wilkesboro. He and the No. 20 team made the right call, pitting for fresh right-side tires and quickly finding a path through the cars that stayed out. He methodically worked his way around Logano for the race lead, rubbing fenders with him as he cleared the Penske driver. It was an exceptional drive for the win after a strong weekend overall for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver.

LOSER: Logano for being sour over the way Bell raced him

Watch: Logano on Bell: ‘If I could’ve got to him, he was going around’

Logano was not happy after Sunday’s race. He dominated until the late-race promoter’s caution, choosing to stay out while Bell and several others came down pit road for fresh rubber. Bell fought his way around Logano, sliding him up the track with just ten laps to go. Logano, who has a reputation as one of the most aggressive drivers in the field, took issue with that, as well as the promoter’s caution for setting up the sprint to the finish. Talking about Bell’s move, he said: “I did all I could do to hold him off and he got under me and released the brake and gave me no option. Kind of just ran me up into the wall, and if I could’ve got to him, he was going around after a move like that, I just couldn’t get back to him.” Bell was surprised to hear how upset Logano was, replying: “I’ve seen Joey do much worse.”

WINNER: Chastain for coming back from a mid-race wreck to finish third

Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images

In the middle of the All-Star Race, Chastain went for a contact-filled spin after Austin Cindric got into him. Undeterred, he marched forward from the rear of the field, reaching 11th before the promoter’s caution. He stayed out and while most of the drivers who did that fell back, he was the only one who didn’t lose any spots from his restart position. Chastain actually reached as high as second and was lurking just behind the battle for the lead, finishing third for his best result yet in the All-Star Race.

LOSER: SVG and Preece for giving away transfer spots

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Photo by: David Jensen / Getty Images

Both Shane van Gisbergen and Ryan Preece were in a great position to advance into the main event on Sunday night. SVG dominated the first half of the race, but chose to take four tires while many of those around him made a two-tire stop. This was a critical mistake as SVG never recovered the lost track position, failing to make the show. Meanwhile, Preece put himself in a good spot as well, holding the final transfer spot for a late restart with better tires than the leader. And that’s when he ran over the choose box, resulting in an end-of-line penalty that eliminated him from contention. In fairness to Preece, it was difficult to see and NASCAR chose to repaint it before the main event, but he was still the only driver to run over it in a devastating unfortunate error.