BELL WINS ALL-STAR RACE Christopher Bell claims million-dollar prize in fifth attempt
NORTH WILKESBORO, NC (May 18, 2025) – Christopher Bell and his team made the correct pit call on the final caution and Bell drove from sixth to first to claim his first All-Star race win – and the million-dollar prize – at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday evening. It is Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing’s first All-Star win since 2017.
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s John Hunter Nemechek had a strong evening as well as he finished runner-up in the All-Star Open and advanced to the All-Star race for the first time.
Toyota GAZOO Racing Post-Race Recap NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) North Wilkesboro Speedway All-Star Race – 156.25 miles, 250 laps
TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS 1st, CHRISTOPHER BELL 2nd, Joey Logano* 3rd, Ross Chastain* 4th, Alex Bowman* 5th, Chase Elliott* 7th, TYLER REDDICK 9th, CHASE BRISCOE 12th, DENNY HAMLIN 19th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK *non-Toyota driver
TOYOTA QUOTES
CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing
Finishing Position: 1st
How did the win unfold for you tonight?
“North Wilkesboro, how about that one? That right there was absolutely incredible. North Wilkesboro is the best short track on the schedule. Let’s go.”
What does your pit crew mean to your success?
“They’re the best. There’s nothing else to say. This sport can be so humbling because behind the wheel you’re just a small part of the success. These boys right here, Adam Stevens (crew chief) on the pit box, all the mechanics, all the engineers that put this thing together – they’re the big picture. I’m just the guy that gets to stand up here and talk to you and take the pictures, but without them I’m nobody and I owe it all to these guys.”
Can you describe the racing here at North Wilkesboro?
“North Wilkesboro – the best short track in NASCAR. It is absolutely incredible. I knew – I had so much fun last year. I sucked in the race, but racing here last year was so much fun. As this place continues to age, it’s just going to get better and better. Man, that was an amazing race. All the way from – there were so many guys up there racing for the lead. We saw two-wide, three-wide for the lead, it’s just a pleasure to race here, and especially whenever you get to drive this Mobil 1 Toyota Camry. These boys have done such a good job on this thing. I told them going into it, this was the best car we’ve had in a long time. Joey (Logano) was fast. He gave us a lot of competition and the 12 (Ryan Blaney) was really good there and the 9 (Chase Elliott). They had competitive cars. The strategy – we knew it would be all over the place and it fell our way.”
How were you able to get by Joey Logano?
“He’s (Joey Logano) probably the best. Him and his spotter do such a good job of working together to play the air game. It works, it works really well. Whether you’re at North Wilkesboro or you’re at Kansas or Michigan. He did a great job of trying to keep me behind him and I knew that once I got that run off turn 4, it was like alright, I’m going to have to be a little more aggressive and kind of leaned on him and got him out of position. I knew once I got the lead, I had the tire advantage so I should be able to cruise, and it worked out that way.”
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options.
INDIANAPOLIS (Sunday, May 18, 2025) – The fairy tale became reality for Robert Shwartzman and PREMA Racing, as the rookie driver in his first-ever oval race and the first-year NTT INDYCAR SERIES team shocked the field to win the NTT P1 Award for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
Shwartzman, from Tel Aviv, Israel, became the first rookie driver to win the pole since Teo Fabi in 1983. He is just the third rookie to win the pole on track and will be the sixth first-year starter to lead the field to green in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
The impossible dream came true when Shwartzman ripped off a four-lap average speed of 232.790 mph in the No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet during the Firestone Fast Six. PREMA, which joined the NTT INDYCAR SERIES this season after years of success in European racing, became the first team to claim the “500” pole in its first attempt since Mayer Motor Racing put Tom Sneva on the pole in 1984.
“I was like, ‘This is a dream; it can’t be true,” Shwartzman said. “I don’t know what even to say. The car felt amazing. I can’t thank PREMA and Chevy. Coming here for my first oval race, I would never even expect it to be in this position. It’s unbelievable.”
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato and Pato O’Ward will join Shwartzman on the front row for the race Sunday, May 25 (10 a.m. ET, FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network). Sato qualified second at 232.478 in the No. 75 AMADA Honda of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. O’Ward will start third after his Firestone Fast Six run of 232.098 in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.
The remainder of the Firestone Fast Six participants will comprise the second row. 2008 “500” winner Scott Dixon will start fourth after his run of 232.052 in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Felix Rosenqvist qualified fifth at 231.987 in the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb-Agajanian. Three-time series champion and current points leader Alex Palou, who has won four of the first five races this season, qualified sixth at 231.378 in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
This pole was as much incredible as it was improbable. The PREMA team, consisting of Shwartzman and teammate Callum Ilott, completed just 22 laps combined on the opening day of practice Tuesday, May 13 because they were behind on preparations for their first “500” and first oval race.
Shwartzman was 33rd fastest out of the 34 drivers on opening day, improving to only 28th Wednesday and falling to 32nd Thursday. But his car came alive on Fast Friday presented by Turtle Wax after engine boost levels and horsepower were increased, as he ended up 13th.
Then on the first day of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying on Saturday, Shwartzman drove into the Top 12 Qualifying session by ending up sixth. He improved to third at 232.008 in the Top 12 Qualifying session earlier today before his stunning run to the pole.
“I have to say big thanks to my engineers,” Shwartzman said. “They did an amazing job, step by step, by improving the car, trying new things. All of these steps that we did were just better, better, better. And then got to a point where the car was really good.”
Marco Andretti, Marcus Armstrong and Rinus VeeKay earned the final three spots in the field in Last Chance Qualifying. Andretti, grandson of 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner Mario Andretti, will start 31st in the No. 98 MAPEI/Curb Honda of Andretti Herta w/Marco & Curb-Agajanian. Armstrong rebounded from a vicious crash Saturday to qualify 32nd at 229.091 in the No. 66 SiriusXM/Root Insurance Honda of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb-Agajanian.
VeeKay was the last driver to earn a spot in the 33-car lineup, qualifying 33rd at 226.913 in the No. 18 askROI Honda of Dale Coyne Racing and hanging on to hope while his rookie teammate, Jacob Abel, fell short of making the field in the last run of the Last Chance Qualifying session. Abel’s last-ditch attempt reached 226.394 in the No. 75 Miller High Life Honda.
“Unfortunately, starting yesterday I’ve been kind of preparing for this a little bit,” Abel said. “Super, super weird situation. We were happy all week long. The No. 51 Miller High Life car was fast. It just seemed like something happened overnight Friday to Saturday, and we just immediately lost speed. And it’s just been getting slower and slower every run.”
There was unexpected drama at the start of the Top 12 Qualifying session when the cars of two remaining Team Penske drivers in the session, Josef Newgarden and Will Power, didn’t make their respective one attempt after a violation of INDYCAR Rule 14.7.8.16, an unapproved body fit on the rear attenuator of the car.
Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin already was relegated to start fourth row for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” after he crashed heavily in Turn 2 during pre-qualifying practice this morning in the No. 3 Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet. McLaughlin was unhurt, but the car suffered heavy damage, and the team elected to focus its efforts on getting a car prepared for McLaughlin for practice Monday afternoon.
The three Team Penske drivers will occupy Row 4 on the starting grid based on their four-lap average speeds from the first day of PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying on Saturday. McLaughlin will start 10th in the No. 3 Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet, two-time reigning “500” winner Newgarden 11th in the No. 2 Shell V-Power NiTRO Team Penske Chevrolet and Power 12th in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet.
Up next is a practice session from 1-3 p.m. ET Monday (FS1, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network).
109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Starting Lineup
(83) Robert Shwartzman, Chevrolet, 2:34.6459 (232.790 mph)
(75) Takuma Sato, Honda, 2:34.8534 (232.478)
(5) Pato O’Ward, Chevrolet, 2:35.1069 (232.098)
(9) Scott Dixon, Honda, 2:35.1377 (232.052)
(60) Felix Rosenqvist, Honda, 2:35.1809 (231.987)
(10) Alex Palou, Honda, 2:35.5894 (231.378)
(4) David Malukas, Chevrolet, 2:35.4411 (231.599)
(7) Christian Lundgaard, Chevrolet, 2:35.6015 (231.360)
(28) Marcus Ericsson, Honda, 2:35.8347 (231.014)
(3) Scott McLaughlin, Chevrolet, 2:34.4979 (233.013)
(2) Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, 2:34.5036 (233.004)
(12) Will Power, Chevrolet, 2:35.0760 (232.144)
(76) Conor Daly, Chevrolet, 2:35.3568 (231.725)
(20) Alexander Rossi, Chevrolet, 2:35.3725 (231.701)
Flag-to-Flag Victory from the Pole for Kyle Washington on Sunday in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R Bolsters 2025 GT America Powered by AWS Championship Bid
Washington and Tom Sargent Fight to Fourth-Place Finish Sunday in GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS Race at Sebring in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R
SEBRING, Florida (May 18, 2025) – GMG Racing and longtime team driver Kyle Washington continued to roll in GT America powered by AWS series competition this weekend at Sebring International Raceway with a flag-to-flag victory from the pole Sunday in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R.
Leading the field from the drop of the green Sunday morning after setting the fastest race lap in a third-place run in Saturday’s first GT America sprint of the Sebring weekend, Washington controlled the 40-minute race from the start. He was never seriously challenged for the lead and crossed the finish line with a comfortable 7.591-second margin of victory.
“I am so impressed and of course incredibly pleased with Kyle’s performance today and all season,” said GMG Racing Founder and Principal James Sofronas. “Even our competitors and friends in the paddock are taking notice, and this is the result of several years of progress and hard work in the GMG Racing driver development system. Kyle has been working hard, the team has been working hard, and it shows. He has never driven or raced better, and I don’t think we have even come close to seeing the limit of this progress. We are looking forward to and ready for the second half of the season.”
Sebring was the halfway point of the 16-race GT America season, which is contested on eight doubleheader weekends. Washington has appeared on the podium in the last seven of the eight races to date, a streak that started with his first career victory on Sunday in the season-opening race weekend at Sonoma Raceway. He and the No. 32 team gained 10 points on the championship leader this weekend and leave Sebring just two points shy of first place in the season standings.
“We are in a good place at halfway, but you know, it’s one race at a time, one day at a time,” Washington said. “The GMG Racing car I had Sunday was probably the best car I have ever driven. It was phenomenal. Just phenomenal. The boys work hard, they gave me a big winner with that Porsche, and that made me a winner on the track.”
In addition to the Sunday GT America victory and third-place result at Sebring, Washington’s second race win of the year in the opening round last month at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) followed a pair of second-place showings at the Grand Prix of Long Beach. He also followed up the COTA win with a second-place finish in that weekend’s Sunday finale.
The Sebring weekend was run in extremely hot and – in the case of the twin 90-minute GT World Challenge powered by AWS races – harried conditions. Washington and co-driver Tom Sargent drove a second No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R in both the Saturday and Sunday GT World Challenge rounds and overcame a mix of competitor contact hits and off-course excursions for a weekend-best result of fourth on Sunday in the Pro-Am class.
“Saturday, I made a mistake and tried to race in GT America with the air conditioning off,” Washington said. “I definitely got a little overheated, so on Sunday I said ‘let’s be a little more methodical. Keep the AC cranked and don’t try and drive like a gorilla!’ I was definitely a little more precise and my performance wasn’t hampered by the heat.”
The 2025 SRO America racing season now enters its traditional summer break with competition resuming two months from now at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR), July 18 – 20.
About GMG Racing: Founded in 2001, GMG Racing quickly established itself as North America’s premier performance tuning facility. What began as a small 1,200 sq. ft. shop, maintaining two race cars, has grown into a state-of-the-art performance tuning, racing and service facility relocated last year to The Thermal Club and a 28,000 sq. ft. trackside motorsports facility. The staff, attention to detail and passion are what make GMG the choice of professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. GMG, in its early years, was located directly across the street from Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA). This close proximity allowed GMG to build a strong relationship with the legendary racing brand which has helped the company support its customers to the highest level possible. We have since won several Championships, not only with Porsche, but with Audi, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and McLaren. From club racing to Sebring, Daytona, Spa, Montreal, COTA and The Thermal Club, GMG can take you as far as you want to go. More information can be found at www.gmgracing.com.
Tony Stewart & Matt Hagan Top Fuel | Funny Car Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK May 15-18 | Joliet, Illinois
Event Recap
Tony Stewart, driver of the Rinnai Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster:
Earned No. 1 provisional qualifying position in Q1 on Friday (3.847 ET at 320.36 mph)
Earned three bonus points for quickest run of the session
Fell to No. 6 provisional qualifying position based off of Friday’s Q1 run. In Q2 on Friday, Stewart ran a 6.013 ET at 111.42 mph.
Earned No. 2 provisional qualifying position in Q3 on Saturday (3.679 ET at 332.43 mph). Stewart faced Antron Brown in Round 1 of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, where his run defeated Brown’s 3.691 ET at 336.23 mph.
Earned two bonus points for second-quickest run of the session
Secured No. 2 qualifying position based off of Saturday’s Q3 run. In Q4 on Saturday, Stewart ran a 5.501 ET at 123.10 mph. Stewart faced Shawn Langdon in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Finals, where Stewart lost to Langdon’s 3.704 ET at 332.10 mph.
Advanced to Finals on Sunday:
Round 1: 3.694 ET at 329.26 mph, defeated Terry Totten (4.276 ET at 212.43 mph)
Round 2: 4.539 ET at 261.47 mph, defeated Shawn Reed (5.043 ET at 267.11 mph)
Semifinals: 3.762 ET at 329.18 mph, defeated Steve Torrence (4.021 ET at 268.28 mph)
Finals: 3.777 ET at 329.10 mph, defeated Justin Ashley (3.818 ET at 324.12 mph)
Currently leading the Top Fuel championship standings, two points over Shawn Langdon
Matt Hagan, driver of the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car:
Earned No. 17 provisional qualifying position in Q1 on Friday (8.245 ET at 88.16 mph)
Earned No. 7 provisional qualifying position in Q2 on Friday (4.018 ET at 322.88 mph)
Earned No. 2 provisional qualifying position in Q3 on Saturday (3.886 ET at 331.45 mph). Hagan faced Alexis DeJoria in Round 1 of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, where his run defeated DeJoria’s 4.400 ET at 199.70 mph.
Earned two bonus points for second-quickest run of the session
Secured No. 3 qualifying position in Q4 on Saturday (3.880 ET at 331.85 mph). Hagan faced Ron Capps in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Finals, where Hagan defeated Capps’ 3.889 ET at 330.88 mph.
Advanced to Semifinals on Sunday:
Round 1: 3.916 ET at 330.39 mph, defeated Blake Alexander (4.036 ET at 320.28 mph)
Round 2: 3.919 ET at 328.62 mph, defeated Ron Capps (3.957 ET at 326.08 mph)
Semifinals: 3.942 ET at 327.90 mph, lost to Austin Prock (3.931 ET at 329.75 mph)
Currently third in the championship standings, 63 points behind Funny Car leader Austin Prock
Notes of Interest
Stewart’s win marked the second of his Top Fuel career and his first at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals. The victory gave Stewart the Top Fuel points lead.
Stewart has now completed the trifecta at Chicago – the oval track, dirt track (as a team owner – Donny Schatz in 2005 and 2017) and dragstrip.
Stewart advanced to his fourth consecutive final. His previous final-round appearances came at the 65th NHRA Winternationals, NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, and American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.
Hagan earned his first Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win of the season. The specialty race rewards a bonus purse and bonus points for the Countdown to the Championship.
Hagan and Capps went head-to-head for the first two times in 2025. They first faced each other in Saturday’s #2Fast2Tasty Finals and again in Round 2 on Sunday. Hagan and Capps have had 83 career matchups, with Capps leading 42-41.
Stewart’s Q3 run of 3.679 ET marked the quickest run of his Top Fuel career. His previous best elapsed time was 3.688-seconds, a mark he set at Brainerd in 2024.
By advancing to the Semifinals, Hagan and Stewart qualified to participate in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge at the next event, the NHRA New England Nationals. The challenge brings competitive racing to the qualifying schedule at 13 regular-season events during the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series campaign, pitting semifinalists from the previous race against each other in a pair of rematches, with the two winners then matching up in the final qualifying session. Hagan earned a rematch against Austin Prock in Round 1 and Stewart will race Steve Torrence.
Stewart will be joining the INDYCAR on FOX team next Sunday, May 25 for the 109th Indianapolis 500. Stewart will participate in the pre-race show alongside Danica Patrick and Chris Myers. Pre-race coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET, and the green flag drops at 12:45 p.m. ET.
Tony Stewart, Driver of the Rinnai Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster “I said at Vegas that I was extremely impressed and pleased with the progress our team has been making. There were tricky track conditions on Friday, so I was excited about getting number one qualifier in Q1. There are a lot of heavy hitters that can really perform when the track is great and we just hadn’t been there yet. When the track cooled off and we ran a 3.67 (ET) yesterday, we got really excited. We had talked amongst our group about how tough it is to race for a championship at the end of the season when we haven’t raced in cooler conditions like we will have in the Fall. We had that this weekend, so to run that well was very encouraging. Now we have data that we can go back and look at and won’t be starting from scratch. We had a mixture of warm and cool conditions today for eliminations. I talked with Leah (Pruett) before the Final about what I had to do to beat Justin (Ashley). We concluded I had to just keep doing what I’ve been doing and get up on the wheel. You know when you race Justin, you have to bring your “A game” and rise to the occasion. His reaction times are the best out here and he does that both in qualifying and eliminations. That makes today’s win for our Rinnai crew that much more special. They have a great team and program. When you can beat them, it is a feather in your cap because you’re beating one of the best teams in the business.”
Matt Hagan, Driver of the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car “We had a great qualifying session, qualifying in the top half of the field this weekend. Our Dodge Direct Connection Funny Car has been running really strong. We made it down the track six out of seven runs and the run we didn’t make it down the track was because we had a clutch line that was off. We have a race car that is going down the race track, whether it’s hot or cold. I was really rooting on Tony to win the race this weekend. We were just on the back side of a good drag race. If you talk to (Ron) Capps, I think he’d be saying the same thing I am from Round 2. We just have to keep digging and working hard. Everything is moving in the right direction.”
Next Up The next event on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule is the NHRA New England Nationals May 30-June 1 at New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire.
For the last three years, the short track of North Wilkesboro Speedway showed us why it’s the perfect backdrop for NASCAR’s All-Star Weekend. Not only were fans treated to an exciting All-Star Race, but they were also entertained by a thrilling Truck Series Race the day prior.
The NWS first opened in 1947, and was a classic venue for the early days of NASCAR. Unfortunately, the sport outgrew this place and left it behind like a relic from the prehistoric era.
Eventually, a remodeled NWS would return in 2011, and write a new chapter in its glorious history. With modern amenities and a freshly paved track, North Wilkesboro Speedway was once again the racing jewel of the region.
In 2023, NASCAR returned to the 0.625-lap, oval track and has been better off for it. In fact, NWS has revolutionized the sport’s All-Star Weekend.
The 2025 edition of this race was further proof that NWS is the ideal venue for NASCAR’s All-Star festivities. The short distance around the track creates plenty of bumpin’ and the width of the turns allow for three-wide racing. In other words, fans enjoy an intensity lacking at many other venues on the calendar.
Last year, Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. took the on-track intensity to pit road where they got into a fist fight. This year, Joey Logano was determined to get back at Christopher Bell for the #20 car’s style of racing.
Unfortunately for Logano, he couldn’t get back at Bell, and the reigning Cup Series champion ended up second. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Bell took the checkered flag and the $1 million dollar prize. After the race, Logano expressed his frustrations and disappointment over Bell, but nothing came of it.
In the Truck Race on Saturday, Corey Heim felt even more frustrated than Logano as the Series’ top driver led 162 laps and was well on his way to winning the race. However, the Window World 250 required Overtime to determine the winner, and that’s where things got crazy.
And in the OT laps, Heim got out to the lead but was wrecked by Layne Riggs, which opened the door for Riggs’ teammate Chandler Smith to steal the checkered flag. It was also Smith’s second win of the season, and he now sits second behind Heim in the Truck Series standings.
Where Logano didn’t have a heated confrontation with Bell after the Cup Series All-Star Race, Heim went to Riggs’ pit box after the race and had some choice words.
Despite Heim’s visible disappointment, the unremorseful Riggs was only upset about not winning the race. The Truck Series leader, and pre-race NASCAR pick to win the Window World 250, finished 17th after being spun out.
Also driving in the Truck Series race was Kyle Busch. The Truck GOAT finished 9th overall and never really competed for the checkered flag.
Next weekend, NASCAR’s top three National Series will head to Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Truck Series will return to its normal Friday evening slot as the Xfinity Series makes its return to Saturday racing after a two-week hiatus. The Cup Series will close out Memorial Day Weekend with its traditional Coca-Cola 600 race.
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Look – I’ll be honest with you. Running a marketing agency right now? Feels like juggling chainsaws on a tightrope… during a hurricane.
You’ve got clients piling on last-minute requests, your team’s hitting burnout, and the tech landscape is changing faster than your morning coffee gets cold. And somewhere in the middle of that chaos, you’re supposed to deliver personalized, high-converting campaigns that don’t cost an arm and a leg to produce.
Yeah. Been there.
That’s exactly where the Jobs to be Done marketing framework steps in and hands you a map, a flashlight, and a jetpack.
Let’s talk about how using JTBD (and yeah, I’m gonna drop in some JTBD examples too) helped me go from feeling like I was drowning in deliverables… to leading a smarter, leaner, AI-powered agency that actually breathes.
First – What the Heck Is Jobs to Be Done Marketing?
Think of it like this:
Most agencies sell based on features. “Look at this package! You get 12 social media posts, 3 blog articles, a cool content calendar, and a sparkly PDF report.”
Neat.
But your client? They don’t care about features. They care about what job they’re hiring you to do.
That’s Jobs to be Done marketing in a nutshell. It asks: What is your client really trying to get done in their life or business? And how do you become the best damn solution for that job?
Once I made that shift, things started to click.
Because JTBD isn’t about showing off everything you can do. It’s about being the obvious choice for the one thing your client needs done-right now.
Enter: Alex – The JTBD for Agencies Poster Child
Let me introduce you to someone.
His name’s Alex.
He’s a budget-conscious agency owner who’s trying to keep his business profitable without working himself (or his team) into the ground. He’s smart, resourceful, and constantly looking for new ways to get better results for his clients without jacking up his costs.
Sound familiar?
Alex isn’t chasing shiny objects. He’s chasing outcomes.
And that’s why M1-Project.com exists-to help people like Alex nail the job he’s already trying to get done: “Help me integrate affordable, efficient, high-performing AI tools like Elsa into my agency’s workflow so I can deliver better services without burning out.”
Boom.
This isn’t just about “using AI” because it’s trendy. This is JTBD in action. It’s about helping Alex:
Cut operational costs.
Automate the boring, repetitive stuff.
Customize strategies for different clients.
Stay competitive without hiring ten more people.
All while making him look like a damn tech wizard in front of his clients.
My Wake-Up Moment (AKA When JTBD Slapped Me in the Face)
I didn’t always get it.
I used to chase tactics. Facebook ads one week. SEO pivots the next. AI tools that sat in folders unused.
Until I hit a wall. My team was exhausted. I was answering emails at 2AM. We were losing deals to “more innovative” competitors.
One night-true story-I typed into Google: “AI tools for marketing agencies that don’t suck.”
Guess what I found?
A whole ecosystem of smart solutions designed not for giant corporations… but for people like me. Agency folks wearing ten hats, trying to build something that doesn’t collapse under its own weight.
Elsa was one of them.
And the moment I stopped asking “What features does it have?” and started asking “What job does it help me do?”-that’s when everything changed.
Real JTBD Examples in the Wild
Let me give it to you straight.
When I started using Elsa through M1-Project.com, here’s what actually happened:
Job #1: Automate the annoying stuff.
I plugged Elsa into our content creation and audience research process. What used to take 6 hours now takes 90 minutes. That alone felt like a cheat code.
Job #2: Stay affordable, but deliver better.
I didn’t have to hire another strategist to take on new clients. Elsa’s smart segmentation tools helped my team handle more accounts without burnout.
Job #3: Look like a genius to clients.
Our campaigns became sharper, more personalized, and-here’s the kicker-clients noticed. “You guys are really stepping it up,” one said. Music to my ears.
That’s JTBD. Not features. Not fluff. Just real jobs being done.
Why This Isn’t Just Another Framework
Look, I get it.
Every week there’s a new “system” or “blueprint” or “growth model” screaming for your attention.
But here’s the thing:
JTBD for agencies isn’t another marketing gimmick. It’s a way of thinking that keeps your strategy grounded in what your clients actually want. And when you pair that thinking with a tool like Elsa, everything snaps into place.
Suddenly you’re not guessing what campaign might work-you’re delivering what’s already needed.
It’s like being handed the answer key before the test.
Customer-Centric Marketing Strategy (Without Losing Your Mind)
When you anchor your services in Jobs to Be Done, you stop building offers based on guesswork and start crafting them based on truth.
Client’s struggling with keeping leads engaged? That’s a job.
Client wants more revenue without touching the ad budget? Another job.
Client hates tech but wants automation? That’s a job too.
The JTBD framework AI approach, especially when plugged into something like Elsa builder, helps you connect these dots fast. It shows you exactly where to intervene, what to tweak, and how to package your services so they hit like a freight train (in a good way).
But What About the Skeptics?
Good question.
There was a moment-early on-where I thought, “Is this AI stuff really gonna get it? Will it sound like me? Will it mess up my vibe?”
But here’s the twist: Elsa didn’t replace the human touch. It enhanced it.
And the kicker? It’s built for marketers. Not coders. Not engineers. Us. The people trying to get sh*t done, stay profitable, and deliver campaigns that don’t just look good but actually move the needle.
Final Word (AKA The Call to Action You Knew Was Coming)
If you’re tired of doing all the things and still feeling behind…
If you’re sick of generic tools that promise the world and then break your workflow…
If you want to feel in control of your agency’s tech stack and future…
Then do what I did. Step into the JTBD mindset. Plug Elsa into your world. And start knocking out the real jobs your clients are paying you for.
For anyone who lives for the roar of engines and the blur of speed, being a sports fan is about more than watching—it’s about knowing. Whether it’s race times, weather forecasts, or pit stop strategies, motorsports fans are always tuned into the next data point. That same instinct—the need to be first, the craving to stay sharp—has fueled another obsession: live football news.
Platforms like thsport.live are feeding this demand, delivering real-time football coverage that mirrors the urgency and precision motorsports fans already love. And just like a well-timed overtake or a split-second tire change, catching the right football update at the right time can change everything.
In fact, checking up on ข่าวกีฬาฟุตบอล isn’t just something fans do out of habit—it’s how they stay mentally in the game.
Why Fast Updates Matter to Fast-Minded Fans
Football fans and motorsports enthusiasts have more in common than you might think. They both follow fast-paced sports with evolving strategies, passionate fanbases, and live events where momentum can swing instantly. So it’s no surprise that the football audience is leaning into platforms that offer second-by-second insights, lineup leaks, transfer rumors, and in-match analytics.
Gone are the days when waiting for the morning paper or the evening news was good enough. Just like F1 fans check live timing screens, football followers want updates that refresh in real-time—especially during transfer windows, injury alerts, or VAR drama.
It’s More Than a Score—It’s the Story Behind It
Sure, the final score still matters. But what draws people in these days is everything surrounding the game: pre-match buildup, player drama, tactical previews, even the psychological state of a star striker. News platforms now serve not just facts but context—who’s injured, who’s benched, who’s making noise in training camp.
Understanding the whole situation that ahead of a clash of biggest rivals is what separates a casual observer from a true football expert. Barcelona and Real Madrid have been, as Latin Nation says, in crisis mode for different reasons as tactical shifts and unexpected roster changes keep fans guessing about the upcoming lineup. This deep analysis allows viewers to appreciate the subtle strategies that coaches implement under immense pressure on the international stage. Following these storylines ultimately makes the standard ninety minutes on the pitch feel much more significant.
Much like how a race broadcast gives us insights on tire degradation or team radio chatter, live football coverage gives us access to player interviews, coach reactions, and instant fan feedback. This makes watching the match feel richer and more personal. You’re no longer just a viewer; you’re involved.
Betting and Bragging Rights Depend on Speed
Let’s talk about the obvious: football betting. For fans who dabble in odds, speed isn’t just preferred—it’s essential.
Bookmakers adjust lines in real-time based on breaking news. If you find out a star forward is out just 10 minutes before the odds change, that knowledge gives you an edge. It’s no different than predicting an undercut in F1 or spotting tire wear before a pit call. Timing is everything.
But even outside betting, being “in the know” is part of sports culture. The group chats, the forums, the comment sections—there’s an unspoken race to drop the latest info first. With platforms like thsport.live updating every few seconds, you don’t just follow the game—you set the pace of the conversation.
The Rise of Second-Screen Sports Culture
Back in the day, fans watched games and waited for halftime analysis. Now? They’re watching with one eye on the match and one on their phone.
This second-screen habit has completely reshaped the fan experience. Live stat trackers, social media threads, group chats, memes—these all build on top of the match to create an interactive layer of engagement. And the faster your news feed is, the more connected you feel.
That’s why sites like thsport.live are seeing such a boom. Their value isn’t just in what they report—it’s in when they report it. A good football news site doesn’t just tell you what happened. It tells you before your friends can.
Adrenaline Is a Language Both Sports Speak
There’s a special kind of adrenaline that comes from watching your team score—or seeing your driver make a last-lap pass. But that adrenaline doesn’t only come from what’s happening live. It’s also built through anticipation: reading injury reports, tracking weather updates, or watching lineups shift last minute.
Just like how motorsports fans love pre-race buildup—engine notes, tire talk, track temperatures—football fans crave those few hours before kickoff. Every new detail shapes your prediction, your mood, and even how you celebrate (or cope with) the result.
Live football news feeds that feeling. They make every hour leading up to the match feel alive with possibility.
Staying Ahead of the Curve (and the Algorithm)
Let’s be real: you don’t just want the news—you want it before the algorithm does.
Social platforms often throttle what you see. By the time a key headline lands on your feed, it might already be old news. That’s where direct news platforms come in. They cut through the noise, keeping football fans several steps ahead.
You see the starting XI before it trends on Twitter. You catch the manager’s pre-match quote before it gets quoted a thousand times. That head start changes how you engage, how you comment, how you talk trash in your fantasy league.
Football Is Now a 24/7 Fix
Even in the off-season, fans want updates. Who’s transferring? Who’s clashing with the coach? What did that cryptic Instagram post really mean?
The modern football news cycle never sleeps. There’s always a scoop, a scandal, or a stat worth knowing. And for fans used to the rhythm of qualifying Fridays and race day Sundays, the daily drip-feed of football news hits the same dopamine receptors.
Whether it’s late-night match recaps or early-morning lineup predictions, it’s clear: live football coverage is no longer optional—it’s how fans stay fueled between kickoffs.
Trusted Platforms Keep the Edge Sharp
With so much content flying around, knowing where to go for reliable, timely football news is key. That’s why platforms like thsport.live are gaining loyal followings. They understand that fans want updates that are:
Immediate – No lag, no delay.
Accurate – No clickbait or half-baked rumors.
Concise – Just the facts, without the fluff.
When speed and trust intersect, fans win. Whether you’re managing a fantasy lineup, placing a smart bet, or just trying to win the group chat debate, being backed by a solid live news source gives you the edge.
Why Football News Now Feels Like a Race Itself
If football is a 90-minute game, then the coverage is a 24-hour race. Every piece of information—who’s starting, who’s suspended, what system a team is switching to—is part of the larger strategy that fuels how fans prepare, engage, and react.
And just like motorsports fans obsess over telemetry and tire temps, football followers are now parsing xG stats and lineup heatmaps in real time.
This isn’t just a shift in reporting. It’s a shift in how fans watch the game. It’s active. Analytical. Fast-paced. Competitive. In short: it’s a sport within the sport.
And when you’re always chasing that edge, keeping tabs on ข่าวกีฬา ล่าสุด becomes part of your personal playbook.
Final Thoughts: Stay Fast or Fall Behind
In sports, hesitation costs. Whether it’s a delayed pit stop or missing a late-game substitution that swings the score, timing matters. That’s why live football news has become essential—not just entertainment, but a competitive advantage for fans who take the game seriously.
If you’re already wired to think fast and act faster, real-time football news is the perfect addition to your sports routine. It feeds your instincts, sharpens your insights, and makes every match a little more electric—even if your boots never hit the pitch.
So the next time you’re checking live lap times, consider pulling up the latest football update too. Who knows—your next winning prediction might be just a push notification away.
Baccarat, Blackjack or Craps: Whis Game is Better?
If ever you’ve walked through a casino—either Las Vegas or, more recently, virtual—you’ve probably seen groups of folks huddled around three main tables: baccarat, blackjack, and craps. Each one is a traditional classic in and of itself and has something unique to give to the player. But which gives you the best experience—or better yet, the best chance of winning? Let’s examine them and consider key factors so that you can decide which game best suits your play style.
What Makes Each Game Unique?
Baccarat
Baccarat is a simple card game in which players bet on one of three outcomes: the player hand wins, the banker hand wins, or it’s a tie. The goal is to get as close to 9 as possible. Unlike blackjack, however, players cannot draw further cards—it’s purely automatic, according to pre-programmed rules. Because of such ease, many new rollers and players are drawn to baccarat. According to figures from BaccaratWiki, the minimal house edge of the game on banker bets makes it one of the favourite choices for the beginning point among those interested in starting off with less complexity.
Blackjack
Blackjack, or 21, is generally considered the most skilful of any casino game. Players are playing against the banker, trying to establish a hand as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. In these situations, actions such as hitting, standing, splitting, and doubling down are being asked. It is one of the only games in which the player’s skill is likely to have a good shot at making a difference. The house edge is pretty small—about 0.5%—when players apply basic strategy on a regular basis.
Craps
Craps is a fast-paced game of dice that’s well known for its social nature and high number of betting options. You bet on what two dice come up, and there is everything from simple pass line bets to complex prop bets. The learning curve is high at first, but once you get the basic ideas down, the game is actually fascinating. It’s particularly successful and thriving in live casinos due to the table setting.
The Games Compared: What is Most Important
To determine which game is superior, we must compare them based on many important factors: house edge, skill level the player needs, speed of the game, and betting range.
Game
House Edge (Best Bet)
Baccarat
~1.06% (Banker bet)
Blackjack
~0.5% (With basic strategy)
Craps
~1.41% (Pass Line bet)
As one can observe, blackjack has the lowest possible house edge when played with optimal strategy. However, if you do not like mastering strategy, baccarat provides a low house edge for banker bets.
Skill vs. Luck
Blackjack is unique in that skill does have an effect. Having access to a basic strategy chart can reduce the house edge dramatically. Craps and baccarat, on the other hand, rely heavily on chance. Compared to blackjack, the ability to affect the outcome tends to draw more experienced players to baccarat.
Game Speed & Complexity
Baccarat: Extremely quick and easy. Very little player input. Fast rounds.
Blackjack: Average level of difficulty. You have to make decisions strategically. It will be longer, depending on the players.
Craps: The most complex initially, because there are so many various types of wagers. But once learned, it is quick and exhilarating.
If you prefer a no-hassle game, baccarat has few competitors. If you prefer something more interactive, blackjack offers more interaction.
Payouts and Bet Variety
Blackjack: Payouts are usually 3:2 for natural blackjack. That takes even money in return. There are a few side bets, but they vary by casino.
Craps: Most bets of any game, with high-risk, high-reward bets.
Baccarat: Fixed odds (player 1:1, banker 0.95:1, tie 8:1) with slight variation.
Players who enjoy variety in their betting might enjoy craps, and those who prefer simplicity might enjoy baccarat.
Which Game Is Best for You?
The “best” game is a personal choice for each player. It is a function of your playing style and your interests:
New players can enjoy baccarat since it’s easy to learn and has a low house edge.
Tactical players can enjoy blackjack since it rewards good thinking and skill.
Action or social players can enjoy craps due to the fast action and social scene.
For most people, baccarat vs blackjack comes down to this: do you want to play a soothing game with essentially no decisions, or do you prefer to be responsible and use strategies to conquer the house?
Game
Pros
Cons
Baccarat
Low house edge, easy to play
Very limited control over the outcome
Blackjack
Skill-based, good odds with strategy
Mistakes can cost you dearly
Craps
Fun atmosphere, many betting options
It can be confusing for beginners
There is no single “best” game for all. Each has its own playing style and is played by a specific type of player. If you like something simple and trouble-free, baccarat is the one. If you like to challenge your mind and make smart decisions, blackjack is your game. And if you can hold your own in high-pressure, unpredictable situations, craps is your game.
Ultimately, it’s your decision to make—responsible enough, maybe. Casino games are meant to be entertainment-based first. Choose one that has you looking forward to the experience, not necessarily the payout.
Christopher Bell had the stars and fireworks victoriously bursting above him and he outdueled Joey Logano to win in the 41st running of the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, on Sunday, May 18.
The 2024 Coca-Cola 600 champion from Norman, Oklahoma, led four times for 28 of 250 scheduled laps in an All-Star event where he started alongside pole-sitter Brad Keselowski and raced upfront throughout the event’s entirety. After assuming the lead for the first time on Lap 104 following a stellar pit service from his No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota team during a competition caution period, he would engage in a race-long, heated battle with Logano for the top spot that surpassed the event’s halfway mark.
Then following the event’s newly formed Promoter’s Caution period that flew with 35 laps remaining, mixed pit strategies ensued that involved Logano being only one of five competitors to remain on the track on worn tires while Bell led the rest of the field to pit for fresh tires. Despite making contact with Noah Gragson while exiting pit road, Bell restarted towards the front during the following restart with 28 laps remaining. After reeling in Logano for the lead with his four fresh tires with approximately 20 laps remaining but not having enough momentum to muscle ahead of the latter, Bell bumped and spent nearly a full lap rubbing against Logano to assume the top spot for good with 10 laps remaining. From there, Bell was able to muscle away and cruise to his first triumph in the All-Star Race.
The starting lineup for the 2025 All-Star Race was first determined through a combined session of on-track qualifying and a mandatory pit stop as part of the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge that occurred on Friday, May 16.
Each competitor eligible for both the All-Star Race and Open events took the green flag, ran a full lap at speed around the North Wilkesboro circuit, made a four-tire pit stop within a designated pit stall with no fuel delivery during the second lap, exited pit road under pit road speed and raced back to the checkered flag once returning to the track.
The overall qualifying time was evaluated by the total time elapsed from the green flag to the checkered flag, where the fastest All-Star qualifier would start on pole position for both the first of two Heat Races and the overall main event.
The event’s two 75-lap Heat events that would determine the rest of the starting lineup for the All-Star Race aside from the pole sitter occurred on Saturday, May 17.
At the conclusion of Friday’s qualifying session, Brad Keselowski notched his first All-Star career pole position after he posted a three-lap qualifying trial run at 77.264 mph in 87.363 seconds while also receiving a 13.081-second pit service from his No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing Ford team. Keselowski would proceed to win the first All-Star Heat event and he shared the front row with Christopher Bell, the latter of whom won the second Heat event.
Keselowski and Bell were among 20 competitors who were automatically eligible for the 2025 All-Star Race based on winning a Cup Series points-paying event between the entire 2024 and early 2025 campaigns and being both former Cup Series champions and All-Star Race winners. The remaining 18 competitors who also met the criteria included Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, William Byron, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch, Alex Bowman, Chris Buescher, Josh Berry, Daniel Suarez, Tyler Reddick, Chase Briscoe, Austin Dillon, Austin Cindric, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Harrison Burton, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson.
Prior to the All-Star Race, the All-Star Open occurred. It allowed 18 registered competitors who did not automatically transfer to the All-Star Race to do so by contesting for the top-two finishing spots in a 100-lap qualifying event. In addition, a third competitor revealed to be the Fan Vote winner would both transfer and claim the final starting spot to the All-Star Race.
At the conclusion of the All-Star Open, Carson Hocevar and John Hunter Nemechek transferred by finishing first and second, respectively, while Noah Gragson was awarded the final spot for being named the Fan Vote winner for a third consecutive year.
The remaining Open competitors who did not qualify for the 2025 All-Star Race included Ty Dillon, Erik Jones, Michael McDowell, Zane Smith, AJ Allmendinger, Bubba Wallace, Cole Custer, rookie Riley Herbst, Ryan Preece, Todd Gilliland, rookie Shane van Gisbergen, Justin Haley, Ty Gibbs, Cody Ware and Chad Finchum.
When the green flag waved and the All-Star Race started, Brad Keselowski and Christopher Bell dueled for nearly a full lap against one another as the field behind jostled for early spots. As Joey Logano tried to make a three-wide move beneath both Bell and Keselowski for the lead through Turns 3 and 4, Keselowski managed to retain the top spot and lead the first lap.
Over the following four laps, Keselowski maintained an early, steady advantage while Chase Elliott and Logano aggressively muscled their way into second and third, respectively, on the track. By then, Bell dropped to fifth as William Byron moved up to fourth. Logano would then reel in and duel with Keselowski for the lead by the sixth lap, but the latter maintained the lead through the Lap 10 mark while Byron and Elliott closely pursued in the top-four mark.
Through the first 20 scheduled laps, Keselowski and Logano remained dead even for the lead in front of Byron and Elliott while Bell, Ross Chastain, Kyle Busch, Chris Buescher, Ryan Blaney and Alex Bowman pursued in the top 10. Behind, Tyler Reddick was scored in 11th place ahead of Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric, Austin Dillon and Josh Berry while Chase Briscoe, Noah Gragson, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, Carson Hocevar, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., John Hunter Nemechek and Harrison Burton rounded out the 23-car field.
Fifteen laps later, Keselowski, who had managed to muscle ahead of Logano earlier, retained the lead over the latter while Byron, Elliott and Bell continued to race in the top-five mark. Despite having Logano continually reeling him in his rearview mirror, Keselowski maintained the lead by the Lap 45 mark.
On Lap 56, the event’s first caution flew when Suarez, who was racing just outside the top-15 mark, blew a right-front tire and smacked the outside wall just past the first two turns. During the caution period, the field led by Keselowski peeled off the track to pit for the first time. Following the pit stops, Keselowski, Byron and Kyle Busch exited pit road first through third, respectively, after the trio opted for a two-tire pit stop. They were followed by Logano, the first competitor with four fresh tires, along with Bell, Elliott, Blaney, Bowman, Chastain and Cindric.
When the event restarted under green on Lap 63, the field fanned out to multiple lanes as Keselowski tried to fend off Busch through the first two turns. Byron then made the battle at the front a three-wide battle as he went beneath both Keselowski and Busch through Turns 3 and 4. With the trio remaining dead even during the following lap in front of Logano, they continued to duel by Lap 65 before Byron muscled his No. 24 Valvoline Chevrolet entry ahead through Turns 3 and 4. As Byron muscled away with the lead in his sole possession by Lap 66, Logano and Busch moved up to second and third while Keselowski was trying to fend off Bell and Elliott for fourth place.
By Lap 75, Byron retained the lead over Logano, Bell, Elliott and Blaney while Busch, Keselowski, Cindric, Chastain and Reddick were racing in the top 10. Both Logano and Bell would then reel in on Byron over the following three laps before Logano assumed the top spot from Byron by Lap 78. Logano would proceed to lead just past the Lap 80 mark while Byron, who was fighting loose conditions, was being pressured by Bell for second.
Within the Lap 90 mark, Logano was leading Bell while Elliott was scored in third place. Behind, Byron had fallen back to fourth place ahead of Blaney, Cindric and Busch while Keselowski was mired back in eighth place ahead of Chastain and Bowman.
At the Lap 100 mark, a scheduled competition caution flew. At the time of the caution period, Logano was scored the leader by a second ahead of Bell, Elliott, Blaney and Byron while Busch, Cindric, Keselowski, Chastain and Berry were ranked in top 10. During the caution, the field led by Logano returned to pit road for service. Following the pit stops, Bell exited pit road first and he was followed by Logano, Elliott, Blaney, Byron, Busch, Keselowski, Cindric, Berry and Chastain.
The start of the following restart on Lap 108 featured Bell, who restarted on the inside lane, muscling his No. 20 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE entry ahead and maintaining the lead for a full circuit. He would proceed to lead the following lap ahead of Logano while Elliott and Blaney battled for third place. With the field behind fanning out and making contact against one another, Bell proceeded to lead just past the Lap 110 mark.
The caution then returned on Lap 112 when Austin Cindric, who was racing within the top-15 mark, made contact with Chastain exiting Turn 2. With Chastain getting sideways, both he and Cindric then went down the track and made additional contact with Bowman. While Bowman kept his damaged No. 48 Ally Chevrolet entry racing straight, Cindric and Chastain made further contact as Chastain slid his No. 1 Busch Chevrolet entry sideways down the backstretch while Cindric nursed his damaged No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry to pit road.
As the event restarted under green on Lap 120, Logano challenged Bell for the lead from the outside lane and both dueled against one another for half a lap. They continued to duel back to the frontstretch and for the following lap. During the process, they both leaned against one another and refused to give each other an inch of space for racing. With both also making minor contact against one another, Blaney and Elliott battled for third place in front of Byron and Busch. Amid the battles within the field, Logano and Bell continued to duel at the event’s halfway mark on Lap 125.
At the Lap 150 mark, Logano, who earlier muscled ahead of Bell and had both lanes under his control, was out in front over Bell while Blaney, Elliott and Bowman pursued in the top five. Behind, Busch was mired in sixth place ahead of Larson, Byron, Keselowski and Berry while Briscoe, Gragson, Austin Dillon, Reddick and Hocevar were in the top 15, respectively.
Ten laps later, Logano continued to lead by a second over Bell while Blaney trailed in third place by two seconds. By then, Chevrolet competitors Elliott, Bowman, Busch, Larson and Byron trailed in the top-eight mark ahead of Keselowski and Berry while Logano maintained the lead by a second by Lap 175.
Then on Lap 175, the caution flew when Keselowski wrecked hard against the outside wall entering Turn 3. As Keselowski limped his damaged No. 6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry with flat-spotted tires back to his pit stall, the field led by Logano pitted. Following the pit stops, Larson, who entered pit road in seventh place, opted for a two-tire pit stop and exited pit road first. He was followed by Logano, Bell, Elliott, Blaney, Bowman, Briscoe, Busch, Byron and Austin Dillon, respectively, the latter nine of which opted for a four-tire pit service.
During the following restart on Lap 182, Larson, who started the All-Star Race at the rear of the field, briefly rocketed his No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet entry ahead from the outside lane through first two turns before Logano got underneath the latter and challenged him for the lead. With Bell trying to thread the needle between both in Turns 3 and 4, Logano led the following lap by a hair before Larson challenged back from the outside lane.
Both continued to duel over next three laps before Larson went wide in Turn 1, which allowed Logano to muscle ahead from the inside lane. As Logano cleared Larson and led on Lap 186, Bell drew himself into a side-by-side battle with Larson for the runner-up spot before the former cleared the later by Lap 187. As Bell started to pull away, Larson, who was trying to run strong on his two fresh tires, was being challenged by teammate Elliott for third while Blaney closed in from fifth place.
At the Lap 200 mark, Logano was leading by half a second over a hard-charging Bell while Larson, who trailed the lead by two seconds, was also trying to fend off teammate Elliott and Blaney for third place. Hendrick Motorsports’ Bowman and Byron trailed by three seconds in sixth and seventh, respectively, while Austin Dillon, Briscoe and Busch, the latter of whom trailed the lead by five seconds, were in the top 10.
Ten laps later, Logano retained the lead by half a second over Bell while Larson trailed by one-and-a-half seconds in third place. As both Elliott and Blaney retained fourth and fifth, respectively, on the track, Logano continued to lead by half a second for another five laps.
Then on Lap 215, the event’s newly formed Promoter’s Caution period, which needed to be executed prior to Lap 220, was displayed by Michael Waltrip as the fireworks lit above the skies. The caution flew after Larson had made contact with the wall, which caused him to drop from third to sixth in the leaderboard, while Logano remained in the lead ahead of Bell.
During the Promoter’s Caution period, Logano along with teammate Blaney, Chastain, Hocevar and Burton remained on the track while the rest led by Bell pitted their respective entries. Following the pit stops, Bell, who made contact with Gragson exiting pit road, exited pit road first and he was followed by Elliott and Byron. Meanwhile, Larson, who also pitted, dropped both out of contention for the lead and out of the lead lap category due to the damage sustained on his No. 5 entry.
With the event restarting with 28 laps remaining, Logano, who restarted on the outside lane, managed to fend off teammate Blaney for nearly a full lap before he muscled ahead entering the frontstretch and rocketed ahead to lead the following lap. With the field behind bumping and jostling for late spots, Chastain reeled in on Blaney for second while Bell battled with Hocevar for fourth place. Blaney then got sideways entering Turn 3 with 27 laps remaining, but Chastain, Hocevar and Bell barely managed to get by Blaney as Blaney was jumbled up in a bevy of three- and four-wide actions. With Blaney plummeting below the leaderboard, Logano retained the lead with 25 laps remaining.
Then with 22 laps remaining, Bell, who spent the previous three laps reeling in Logano on his four fresh tires, went beneath Logano for the lead through Turns 3 and 4. Using the inside lane, Bell would lead with 21 laps remaining, but Logano drew back alongside the latter from the outside lane. They then rubbed fenders in Turn 1, but both managed to race straight as Logano, who was still holding strong on his four worn tires, rocketed back ahead. With Bell going up the track and into the path of a hard-charging Chastain in Turn 3, Logano would pull ahead by nearly half a second with 19 laps remaining.
With 15 laps remaining, Logano maintained the lead over a hard-charging Bell while Chastain, Bowman and Elliott trailed in the top five, respectively. As Bell started to reel back toward Logano’s rear bumper over the following four laps, Logano went up the track to block Bell’s gained speed exiting the turns and entering the straightaways.
Then with 10 laps remaining, Bell seized an opportunity by going underneath Logano entering Turn 1. He then proceeded to rub against Logano towards the outside wall while giving him no room through the backstretch. Bell then bumped and ran Logano up the track in Turn 3. This allowed Bell to storm back to the lead while Chastain challenged Logano for the runner-up spot. Logano would manage to retain second place over both Chastain and Bowman while Bell retained the lead over the following four laps.
Down to the final five laps of the event, Bell maintained a steady advantage over Logano while Chastain, Bowman and Elliott pursued in the top five. Using his advantageous outside lane and his four fresh tires, Bell would remain atop the leaderboard over Logano over the next four laps.
When the white flag waved and the final lap started, Bell, who was starting to approach the lapped competitor of Larson, remained in the lead over Logano. With Larson remaining on the inside lane and not interfering with the lead lap competitors, Bell was able to smoothly navigate his way around the North Wilkesboro venue for a final time before he returned to the frontstretch victorious and a million dollars richer with his first checkered flag in the event.
With the victory, Bell, a three-time Cup Series points-paying race winner in the early stages of the 2025 season, became the 37th competitor overall to win the NASCAR All-Star Race. He also became the third to win the event at North Wilkesboro Speedway and the third Toyota competitor to achieve the feat. The 2025 All-Star Race victory was the third overall for Joe Gibbs Racing and the first for the organization’s No. 20 team.
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.
“North Wilkesboro, how about that one?!” Bell exclaimed on the frontstretch on FS1. “That, right there, is absolutely incredible. North Wilkesboro – best short track on the schedule. Let’s go! Man, [the No. 20 pit crew]’re the best. There’s nothing else to say. This sport can be so humbling because behind the car, behind the wheel, you’re just a small part of success. These [No. 20] boys right here, [crew chief] Adam Stevens on the pit box, all the mechanics, all the engineers that put this thing together. They’re the big picture. I’m the guy that gets to sit up here and talk to you and take pictures, but without them, I’m nobody and I owe it all to these guys.”
As Bell celebrated with his team on the frontstretch, Logano, who led a race-high 139 laps compared to Bell’s 28, was left dejected on pit road after falling short of defending his All-Star Race victory from a year ago.
“I’m pissed off right now,” Logano said. “Dang it, we had the fastest car. The Shell/Pennzoil Mustang was so fast. I felt like the [tire] falloff wasn’t too bad as the sun went down. We had six cars or so stay out with us [during the final caution period]. I thought maybe we can hold them off, but [Bell] had a good enough restart to clear too many of [competitors] too fast and I couldn’t get away in time.
“It took me six, seven laps to get my car up and rolling again. I did all I could do to [Bell] off and he got under me and just released the brake, gave me no option and he just ran me up into the wall. If I could have got to him, he was going around after a move like that. I just couldn’t get back to him. It was just too much to try to make [the deficit] up with the tire deficit. Just frustrated after you lead so many laps and [the] car’s so fast and you don’t win. It hurts quite a bit.”
Ross Chastain and Alex Bowman rallied from their early multi-car wreck to finish third and fourth, respectively, while Chase Elliott finished in the top five. William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Kyle Busch, Chase Briscoe and Chris Buescher completed the top 10 in the final running order.
Notably, the Chevrolet nameplate emerged as the inaugural Manufacturer Showdown winner of the event. This occurred due to the manufacturer’s competitors Chastain, Bowman, Elliott, Byron and Kyle Busch finished third, fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth, respectively, on the track. Meanwhile, the race winner Bell, seventh-place finisher Reddick and ninth-place finisher Briscoe represented Toyota while runner-up finisher Logano and 10th-place finisher Buescher represented Ford.
There were 18 lead changes for eight different leaders. The race featured five cautions for 32 laps. In addition, 20 of 23 starters finished on the lead lap.
Results:
1. Christopher Bell, 28 laps led 2. Joey Logano, 139 laps led 3. Ross Chastain 4. Alex Bowman, one lap led 5. Chase Elliott 6. William Byron, 12 laps led 7. Tyler Reddick 8. Kyle Busch, two laps led 9. Chase Briscoe 10. Chris Buescher 11. Carson Hocevar 12. Denny Hamlin 13. Noah Gragson 14. Austin Dillon 15. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 16. Ryan Blaney 17. Josh Berry 18. Austin Cindric, one lap led 19. John Hunter Nemechek 20. Harrison Burton 21. Kyle Larson, three laps down, five laps led 22. Brad Keselowski – OUT, Accident, 62 laps led 23. Daniel Suarez – OUT, Accident
Next on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. The event is scheduled to occur next Sunday, May 25, and air at 6 p.m. ET on Prime Video.
