Noah Gragson and the No. 4 Rural King Ford Team
North Wilkesboro Speedway Competition Notes
NASCAR All-Star Race
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Event: Race 14 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-miles)
#of Laps: 250
Time/TV/Radio: 8:00 PM ET on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Noah Gragson Notes

Noah Gragson and the No. 4 Ford team head to the North Wilkesboro Speedway for the NASCAR Cup Series annual All-Star Race. For Gragson, he looks to continue his All-Star Fan Vote domination, winning the vote in 2023 & 2024 where he finished 23rd and 11th, respectfully. The weekend will kick off with the Pit Crew challenge on Friday, May 16th at 6:00 pm ET. The All-Star Open race will be held on Sunday, May 18th at 5:30 pm ET. The All-Star race is scheduled for Sunday evening at 8:00 pm ET.

Rural King, America’s Farm and Home Store, will return to Gragson’s No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. This marks the Mattoon, Illinois-based retailer’s third race with Front Row Motorsports, bringing its well-known commitment to rural values, hardworking communities, and American heritage to race fans across the country. Gragson will make an appearance at the Rural King in Conover, North Carolina on Sunday, May 18th from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm ET.

“I’ve always loved going to the North Wilkesboro Speedway,” said Gragson. “The energy there is incredible, and the track delivers that classic short-track, beating-and-banging style of racing. I’ve been fortunate to win the Fan Vote the past two years, so hopefully I can make it three in a row and get this No. 4 team into the main event.”

Road Crew

Driver: Noah Gragson

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Joey Forgette

Hometown: Iron Mountain, Michigan

Engineer: Dillon Silverman

Hometown: Chico, California

Engineer: Scott Bingham

Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Tony Infinger

Hometown: Fort Valley, Georgia

Tire Specialist: Chris Aunspaw

Hometown: Zelienople, Pennsylvania

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Spotter: Nick Del Campo

Hometown: Blauvelt, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Nate “Cookie” Eller

Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Thomas Hatcher

Hometown: Middleburg, Florida

Rear Tire Changer: Adam Riley

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Tire Carrier: Jarren Davis

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Jackman: Nate McBride

Hometown: Vidalia, Georgia

Fueler: Ray Hernandez

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

ABOUT RURAL KING

Rural King, also known as RK Holdings, LLP, planted its roots as America’s Farm and Home Store in Mattoon, Illinois in 1960. Since that time, Rural King has grown to more than 140 stores in fourteen states. Specifically, we provide a broad range of essential goods, food, feed, seed and other farm and home necessities to the communities we serve throughout Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. We welcome and encourage everyone to enjoy our long-standing tradition of offering free popcorn and coffee every time you visit our stores.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

LONDON, UK / STATESVILLE, N.C (May 15, 2025) — Omologato, the British motorsport-inspired watch brand, proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with seven-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB to launch the JJ700 Chronograph — a striking timepiece that celebrates Johnson’s 700th NASCAR Cup Series start at the Coca-Cola 600 this May.

Crafted for collectors and racing enthusiasts alike, the JJ700 Chronograph is encased in a matte bronze finish, exuding bold sophistication, and features an extraordinary detail: carbon fiber directly sourced from Johnson’s race car, driven during his historic 700th race. This integration of authentic racing DNA sets the JJ700 apart as a true piece of motorsport history.

With a production limited to just 700 individually numbered pieces worldwide, each JJ700 watch is hand-assembled using a hybrid movement, combining mechanical precision with quartz reliability. The watch is completed with a premium alligator-finish leather strap, with Jimmie’s autograph engraved onto a bespoke deployant clasp.

“This watch isn’t just a timepiece — it’s a celebration of LEGACY, speed, and a career milestone I’m proud to share with fans,” said Jimmie Johnson. “I love this design and I’m grateful to Omologato for this opportunity.”

“I’ve always been fascinated by the close racing of NASCAR and how passionate fans are about it. To be involved with one of the biggest names in the Series is an absolute honour,” said Omologato Founder Shami Kalra.

The JJ700 Chronograph will be available exclusively at http://omologatowatches.com/jj700 starting May 26, 2025, with global shipping and limited availability.

ABOUT OMOLOGATO: Omologato designs timepieces inspired by the world of motorsport. Every watch tells a story of racing history and is built for those who live life in the fast lane. To learn more, visit www.omologatowatches.com.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

Josh Berry and the Wood Brothers are headed to historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for Sunday’s NASCAR All-Star Race. The DEX Imaging Mustang will carry a paint scheme based on the one Michael Waltrip drove to a dramatic victory in the 1996 running of the non-points spectacular, then known as the Winston Select.

As the Woods celebrate their 75 years in the sport, the win by Waltrip is one of the all-time highlights. Waltrip and the 21 were not considered a contender entering the weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. They had to run the preliminary Open and barely squeaked into the starting field for the main event, finishing fifth to take the final transfer spot to the main event.

In that 70-lap race, Waltrip drove through the field, taking the lead from Dale Earnhardt in the final segment with nine laps remaining. He then drove away from the pack to take the win over Rusty Wallace, Earnhardt, Mark Martin and Terry Labonte.

The win was a big boost for the Woods at a time they needed one, and it gave Waltrip the funds to buy his mother a new home.

As the team heads into the current All-Star Race, Berry and the DEX Imaging crew are guaranteed a starting spot in the main event, thanks to a win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March.

“I’m excited for this weekend,” Berry said. “It’ll be my third trip to North Wilkesboro. I was fortunate to win the Open race in 2023 in the 48 car and race my way into the big show, which was really cool. This time, knowing you’re already locked in adds a different kind of excitement. I’m looking forward to taking part in more of the actual racing and qualifying, especially with the Pit Crew Challenge. It’s a great opportunity for our crew to go out there and showcase what they can do. With the heat races as well, there’s going to be a lot more on-track time for me, and that just makes the weekend even more fun.”

Practice at North Wilkesboro is set for Friday at 4 p.m. Eastern Time to be followed by qualifying at 7 p.m.

The qualifying session includes the Pit Crew Challenge. Drivers will take the green flag and run one lap at speed then come onto pit road for a four-tire stop. Back on the track they will run to the checkered flag. The fastest team earns a $100,000 bonus and the pole for the first heat and the All-Star race.

Two 75-lap heat races are set for Saturday, with the opener getting the green flag just after 5:20 p.m.

On Sunday, the 100-lap Open, for drivers not already in the All-Star Race, is set to get the green flag just after 5:30 p.m., with the 250-lap main event getting under way just after 8 p.m. FS1 is carrying the TV coverage.

About DEX Imaging
DEX Imaging is the digital document imaging division of Staples, the world’s largest business solutions provider. DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions, such as HP, Konica Minolta, Canon, Kyocera and numerous others.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES:
Reducing Operating Costs
Reducing Paper Consumption
Increasing Productivity

DEX Imaging has been the recipient of virtually every industry award since the company’s inception, including the JD Power & Associates Award for Best Customer Experience, the prestigious ProTech Service award by Konica Minolta, the Diamond Premier Dealer Award by Kyocera, and the Elite DEALER Award by ‘ENX’ magazine. Other accolades include being named ‘Best Place to Work’ by numerous business journals in the markets DEX serves.

About Wood Brothers Racing
Founded in 1950 by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s longest-running team. Over eight decades, the team has earned 101 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 120 poles, and remains proud of its longstanding relationship with Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford products since its inception. Glenn’s brother, Leonard Wood, played a key role in shaping modern racing by developing the techniques behind today’s pit stops. With a rich legacy rooted in innovation and tradition, Wood Brothers Racing continues to honor its heritage while adapting for the future as it competes in NASCAR’s premier series with Josh Berry.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR All-Star Race… RCR has four wins in the NASCAR All-Star Race, three with Dale Earnhardt (1987, 1990, 1993) and one with Kevin Harvick (2007). All four of RCR’s All-Star Race wins were won at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Earnhardt is tied with Jimmie Johnson for the most top-five finishes in the All-Star Race (9).

All-Star Race Format… This year marks the third consecutive NASCAR All-Star Race contested at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The 2025 edition of the race includes several changes to the format, including lengthening the race by 50 laps to 250, the addition of a competition break at or near the 100-lap mark and an optional promotor’s caution flag before lap 220.

Manufacturer’s Showdown… Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota teams will battle against each other in this year’s All-Star Race as part of the Manufacturer’s Showdown, a race within the race that places emphasis on automaker performance. Manufacturer teams will include all drivers from the least represented manufacturer, and an equal number of drivers from the other two manufacturers selected based on their final All-Star grid positions. Team drivers will be scored against each other and the team with the lowest combined total of finishing positions will be the winner. Any tie would be broken by the best overall finish among the group.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at North Wilkesboro Speedway… In 44 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series starts at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has five wins, all by Dale Earnhardt: 1986 (spring), 1987 (spring), 1989 (spring), 1991 (fall), and 1995 (spring). Earnhardt was running at the finish in all 27 races at North Wilkesboro that he ran with RCR. Team Owner Richard Childress made 19 starts at North Wilkesboro as a driver, racking up eight top-10 finishes.

Tickets to the 2025 Carolina Cowboys Home Stand Are Available Now… Driven by the same passion for performance that guides his race team, Richard Childress’ latest endeavor brings Professional Bull Riding to the Carolinas. The Carolina Cowboys represent the Carolinas in the PBR Team Series, an elite league featuring the world’s top bull riders competing in games throughout the country. The team is owned by Richard Childress and Jeff Broin with 2018 Daytona 500 Champion Dillon serving as General Manager. Don’t miss the Carolina Cowboys 2025 “Cowboy Days” Home Stand September 12-14 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Tickets are on sale at PBR.com and Ticketmaster.

Follow Sunday’s Action at North Wilkesboro Speedway… The NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, May 18, at 8 p.m. ET on FS1. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NASCAR Cup Series Practice & Qualifying at North Wilkesboro Speedway will be broadcast on Amazon Prime. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet at North Wilkesboro Speedway… Dillon has made four previous All-Star Race appearances, earning a best finish of seventh in 2019 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Earning His Spot… Dillon secured his spot in this year’s All-Star Race with a thrilling victory in the 2024 Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway following a dominating performance by the No. 3 team. The win was the fifth of the Welcome, North Carolina driver’s career.

One Year Ago… Dillon and the No. 3 team posted a notable performance in the 2024 All-Star Open. Dillon posted the fastest lap time during qualifying and remained in the top spot on the leaderboard until inclement weather caused the session to be canceled with only one car in the field yet to post a qualifying lap. NASCAR set the field according to the rulebook with the No. 3 team in the 15th position. During the race, Dillon was able to work his way up to a ninth-place finish.

A Family Tradition… Dillon grew up watching his father, Mike Dillon, race Late Models throughout the South during the 1990s, including several notable races at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The elder Dillon collected two victories at the speedway (1994 and 1995).

Dow Salutes Veterans… More than 1,600 U.S. Military Veterans are featured on the No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet this weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. The patriotic livery highlights Dow’s commitment to the service and skills that veterans bring to the workforce with a special nod to Dow’s Veterans Resource Group (VETNET) and Military Degree Equivalency (MDE) program, which provides an opportunity for individuals with extensive military background to bring their broad scope of training and education, experience in leadership, and understanding of performing in high pressure situations into a successful career at Dow. 2025 marks the 11th consecutive year that Dow has partnered with RCR to honor U.S. Military veterans. The program began with just over 350 veterans in 2015 to more than 1,600 this year. This year’s program also highlights Dow’s relationship with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization.

Dow brings a science and engineering crew who is driven by limitless curiosity to the RCR Team… Dillon and the RCR team are again supported by Dow’s materials science expertise and technologies this season. Backed by the power of data analysis and virtual modeling, Dow develops and manufactures high-performance components and materials custom-made for the No. 3 car. Dow and RCR’s partnership has expedited innovation and shortened testing time in the automotive industry by using one of the most extreme environments – the racetrack – as a real-time testbed. After 11 years of collaboration, Dow scientists and RCR engineers are continuing to work together to make the No. 3 car faster, safer, and more precise. Stay up to date with Dow’s exciting developments at www.dow.com/sports, and follow them on X (@DowSports) and LinkedIn (Dow Sports Marketing Solutions).

Meet Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to stop by the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the North Wilkesboro Speedway Fan Midway on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet and get new merchandise to wear on race day.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your thoughts about this weekend’s All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway?

“I’m looking forward to getting back to North Wilkesboro Speedway. Last year, we brought a fast Chevrolet to the All-Star Open and learned a lot that we were able to apply to other short track races later in the season. Being locked into the big show this year makes it even more special. Winning a million bucks after everything that happened at Richmond Raceway last year would be something special.”

How does this race stack up for you, and what strategies are you focusing on to tackle North Wilkesboro Speedway’s unique challenges?

“I enjoy the All-Star Race atmosphere and the challenge of the track. It’s a place that means a lot to my family and our Richard Childress Racing team. There’s some extra motivation. Tire management and track position are going to be key. We’re focused on being smart, staying patient, and putting ourselves in the right spot when it counts.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 SENIX Tools Chevrolet at North Wilkesboro Speedway… Sunday night’s NASCAR All-Star Race will mark Kyle Busch’s third career NASCAR Cup Series start at North Wilkesboro Speedway. In his two previous starts at the .625-mile oval, Busch’s best finish is 10th, which came in this race last year.

Hey Now, You’re an All Star… Busch has totals of one win, six top-five finishes and 12 top-10 finishes in 19 career All-Star Race starts contested at Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.

Winner, Winner… The Las Vegas native scored his lone All-Star victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2017. He took control following the final restart with 10 laps remaining and pulled away to a 1.274-second victory. He followed up his win with a solid second-place finish at the track in the following weekend’s Coca-Cola 600, leading a total of 63 laps.

Leading the Field… Busch has started from the pole position in the All-Star Race on four separate occasions (2008, 2011, 2012, 2017), which is the most among active All-Star pole winners.

Double Duty… In addition to his driving duties in Sunday’s All-Star race, Busch will pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports in Saturday’s Truck Series race.

About Senix Tools… At SENIX, we break barriers and shatter expectations by redefining outdoor power equipment and power tools with cutting-edge innovation and unwavering passion. Whether you’re an arborist, landscaper, or a dedicated DIY enthusiast, SENIX tools have been meticulously crafted with you in mind. Our state-of-the-art technology, top-notch performance, and eco-friendly design options empower you to tackle any task effortlessly. For more information on SENIX Tools and our comprehensive line of outdoor power equipment and power tools, visit senixtools.com.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

It’s All-Star race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Are you excited to get back to such a historic venue?

“It’s cool that the All-Star race is at North Wilkesboro Speedway again. It’s a really cool track. It’s got a lot of history to it. I hear that the elevator for Victory Lane is back up and operational, so that would be really special to celebrate that way with your team. You know, I love the idea of racing for a million bucks. There’s no better way to win it than all-out short track style racing. There would be be nothing cooler than to be able to bring that one home.”