Biggest names who aren't locked into 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race

Unlike other All-Star events in professional sports, the list of those who will compete in NASCAR's All-Star Race isn't decided until just before the event starts. 

Through the All-Star Open and the fan vote, three drivers will join the list of 20 already locked into the All-Star Race. 

Here are three of the biggest names who will have to race their way into the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. 

Bubba Wallace, No. 23 Toyota, 23XI Racing 

For the second year in a row, Wallace will have to race his way into the All-Star Race by virtue of a winless streak that dates back nearly three years. While he hasn't won in a while, Wallace has had plenty of speed this year and is 10th in the Cup Series standings through 12 races. He's as good a bet as any driver to finish top-two in the Open and advance. 

If Wallace does make the main event, watch for him to make a charge from the back of the starting grid — in the two All-Star races at North Wilkesboro, Wallace has finished second and sixth. 

Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing 

In a similar vein, Gibbs — who is still searching for his first Cup Series win — will have to race his way into the big show just as he did in 2024. 

He and the No. 54 team are definitely up to the challenge of making the All-Star Race, but their path to a win seems murkier than Wallace's, as Gibbs only finished 13th in 2024. 

Ryan Preece, No. 60 Ford, RFK Racing 

Only the top-two finishers in the Open will advance to the All-Star Race, and if Wallace and Gibbs aren't your pick, you may be inclined to keep an eye on Preece. Preece is a short-track ace, having come through the ranks as a successful modified racer. But his success in 2025 hasn't just come on the short tracks. In his first year at RFK, Preece is proving why Brad Keselowski and Jack Roush gave him a shot. 

Like Wallace, Preece's path to an All-Star Race bid isn't over if he doesn't finish inside the top two — Wallace and Preece are among the top-five drivers in the All-Star fan vote per NASCAR.com. They joined Carson Hocevar, Shane van Gisbergen and Noah Gragson — who won the fan vote in 2023 and 2024 — as the top-five vote-getters through May 12.