Wood Brothers Racing, the oldest team in NASCAR, is set to make a historic appearance at the upcoming 2025 All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Celebrating their remarkable 75th anniversary, the team will be honored by NASCAR with prestigious ceremonial roles during the event.
The legendary family members of Wood Brothers Racing will play crucial parts in the race. Len Wood will act as the honorary starter, while Eddie Wood will drive the pace car, a Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Jon Wood, the Team President, and former All-Star Race winner for the team, Michael Waltrip, will serve as Grand Marshals, giving the command to start engines.
The significance of this honor is amplified by the venue itself, North Wilkesboro Speedway, which has been intertwined with the history of Wood Brothers Racing since 1957. Glenn Wood, the team’s founder, achieved pole positions at the track in 1958 and 1959. The team has a rich history at the speedway, with 46 starts, two wins, 14 top-fives, and 23 top-10s before its closure in 1997.
Jon Wood expressed the family’s gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the sentimental value of North Wilkesboro Speedway in their journey within the sport. He remarked, “As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, it means a great deal to be recognized at a place that helped shape the sport and our team into what it is today.”
Wood Brothers Racing, established in 1950 by Glenn and Leonard Wood, remains a family-operated team through generations. With over 100 NASCAR Cup Series victories and more than 120 poles, the team has left an indelible mark on the sport. Racing alongside icons like David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, and Dale Jarrett, the team has secured wins in every decade since the 1950s.
In the 2025 All-Star Race, driver Josh Berry will pilot the No. 21 Ford Mustang, adorned with a throwback paint scheme commemorating Michael Waltrip’s 1996 All-Star Race triumph. The event will feature a new format introduced by NASCAR to increase excitement and unpredictability.
Notable changes include the addition of a “promoter’s caution,” a race-extending to 250 laps, and the introduction of the “Manufacturer Showdown” involving Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. The race weekend will retain traditional elements like heat races, the All-Star Open, and fan voting to determine participants aside from those already qualified.
As NASCAR enthusiasts eagerly await the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the presence of Wood Brothers Racing adds a layer of nostalgia and legacy to the thrilling event.