Tires float away, drivers go swimming amid flooding at North Wilkesboro Speedway

© Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

As the rain came down at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Saturday, NASCAR announced the cancellation of all All-Star Race heats. In addition, the Truck Series Race would resume Sunday at 11:30 a.m. amid flooding and power outages at the track.

During the red flag delay, though, the drivers had some fun.

Tires started to float away in the flooding and some drivers decided to go swimming, as well. It made for quite a scene as they waited to find out how long the delay would be or if they’d even race at all on Saturday night.

Some areas of pit road were starting to flood and trucks had to move as a result of the heavy downpours, according to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass. In fact, in the media center full of reporters, the power went out as they tried to wait out the rain.

Ty Majeski won Stage 1, and he’ll be looking to stay up front in the morning. Because the heat races were canceled, Kyle Larson will hold the pole position for the All-Star Race, which is back at North Wilkesboro for the second consecutive year.

Everything to know for NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro

The 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race will follow the usual format, which is a 200-lap race for all the marbles between the best of the best in the series.

“The NASCAR All-Star Race (Sunday, 8 p.m. ET, FS1) is a 200-lap race, all laps count, overtime rules in effect,” Pockrass wrote. “Teams have two sets of regular tires and two sets of softer tires. Must start on the softer tire. Caution at Lap 100 with a mandatory four-tire stop. Caution at Lap 150 with no requirement whether to pit.”

North Wilkesboro will also host the NASCAR All-Star Race next year, according to a Friday announcement. It will mark the third straight year as the site of the big event.

“NASCAR’s biggest and brightest stars will again shine on North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2025,” North Wilkesboro said in a press release. “Speedway officials announced Friday that North Wilkesboro will host the 41st running of the NASCAR All-Star Race on May 18, 2025, with affordable ticket and camping packages now on sale for what promises to be a spectacular weekend of fan and family friendly entertainment.

“Race fans can also look forward to the return of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series’ Wright Brand 250 in 2025, with the race maintaining its positioning as a featured event in the Saturday portion of All-Star Race weekend.”

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