North Wilkesboro All-Star Race Top Tier Elite Picks
Joey Logano – Joey Logano is a quick adapter, so I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he wins the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro. Some notable wins for him at debuting tracks recently include The Coliseum, Bristol Dirt and Gateway. The man just knows how to win at new ovals and that variable definitely shouldn’t be overlooked. At Richmond, Logano is without question one of the best default picks you can make. He finished 7th this spring and in 5 of the last 6 races he’s finished between 3rd to 7th. At Martinsville, Logano snuck in a 2nd this spring with pit strategy, and historically he’s without question one of the best there with 8 straight top tens. This is a short race where aggression will be dialed up, and I have no question Logano is willing to step up to the plate and do whatever it takes.
Kevin Harvick – In a throwback #29, look for Kevin Harvick to be a factor at North Wilkesboro. Kevin Harvick is a super-elite performer at Richmond, and this spring at Martinsville he could’ve easily raced his way to victory lane. Between those combined events this spring, Harvick was tied for having the 2nd best Total Speed Ranking. To highlight Richmond more, Harvick finished 5th this spring, won last summer and over the last ten races minus spring 2021 where he crashed late while running in 6th, Harvick has a 4.5 average finish.
Christopher Bell – At North Wilkesboro, look for Christopher Bell to be a factor. Bell is arguably the premier short track racer in NASCAR, and his tire management skills which will be crucial this weekend, are on par with the best in the sport. Richmond is arguably the best barometer for who’ll be good this weekend, and over the last five races at “The Action Track” he’s finished between 2nd to 6th and has a 3.8 average finish. This spring at Richmond, Bell finished 4th, had the 3rd best Total Speed Ranking and ranked 3rd for Speed Late In A Run. Over the last nine races held at short tracks since 2022, Bell has the best average finish in the series (6.8) and the best driver rating.
Denny Hamlin – If its short or flat, pick Hamlin. That’s my long running mantra for Hamlin, and I have no doubt he’s primed to be a top contender. This year between Martinsville and Richmond, Hamlin was tied for having the 2nd best Total Speed Ranking and “Performance Wise”, he was one of the best drivers in both events. To highlight Richmond, Hamlin finished an asterisk mark 20th this spring (Led 71 laps, top five contender but problems on pit road), but in the four races prior to that his results were 4th, 1st, 2nd and 2nd. Tire wear will be extreme this weekend, but Hamlin excels at tire management.
