Buckle up for a thrilling clash of speed demons at the iconic North Wilkesboro Speedway, where Saturday's championship tripleheader promises edge-of-your-seat action and title-deciding drama! But here's where it gets really exciting—pole positions are locked in, and some unexpected names are leading the charge. This historic track, steeped in racing lore since 1934, is gearing up for a weekend that could rewrite the record books. If you're new to racing, think of North Wilkesboro Speedway as a hallowed ground where legends are made; it's not just a track but a testament to the grit and glory of motorsport. On Saturday, we'll crown race winners and season champions across three intense divisions: the zMAX CARS Tour's Late Model Stock and Pro Late Model classes, plus the SMART Modified Tour. Friday's qualifying heats set the stage, and let's dive into the details with a bit more context to help you follow along, even if you're just dipping your toes into the world of stock car racing.
First up, the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car category, where the CrossRoads Harley-Davidson 125 is the main event. Landon S. Huffman shocked everyone by snagging his very first career pole position—a prime starting spot that gives a driver a huge advantage by lining up at the front of the pack for the green flag. Starting beside him will be championship hopeful Landen Lewis, with another title contender, Conner Hall, right behind in third. These two rivals are neck-and-neck in the standings, separated by just 12 points as they head into this season finale. Huffman, who clinched a solid second-place finish last week at Tri-County Speedway, attributed his breakthrough to a fresh change in team dynamics. 'The biggest difference is I have Carter Langley as my crew chief now,' Huffman shared, his voice buzzing with excitement during the post-qualifying buzz. 'We’ve worked really hard, pushing to get as fast as possible. I’m shaking right now—I’m so thrilled and surprised. Fingers crossed we can turn this into a win tomorrow!' For beginners, a crew chief is like the brain behind the operation, strategizing pit stops and car setups to keep the driver ahead of the competition.
Shifting gears to the Pro Late Model class and the Northwest Automotive 100—where Luke Baldwin, piloting the No. 51 Ford for the Rick Ware Racing Team, dominated qualifying with a blistering lap time of 17.374 seconds to secure the pole. Teaming up on the front row will be Florida's T.J. DeCaire in his No. 88 Chevy, who qualified second. The father-son duo of Keelan and Kevin Harvick, driving HendrickCars.com Chevrolets, claimed third and fourth, rounding out the top four. This Harvick pair is a powerhouse—Young Gun Keelan, a three-time season winner, alongside veteran Cup champ Kevin, who knows a thing or two about high-stakes racing. Baldwin, who's also gunning for the Owner points championship in this division, was pumped about the setup. 'Every little bit counts, and everything we can do right now adds up,' he said. 'Snagging the pole is a solid edge, and getting to lead the pack off the line is a bonus. The car was firing on all cylinders today.' And get this—Baldwin isn't stopping there; he's doubling up on Saturday, contending for the SMART Modified Tour title as well, where he'll start sixth in the Frontier Natural Gas 99.
While Baldwin eyes that Owner's crown, Ben Maier holds a commanding lead in the Pro Late Model championship standings, with Brandon Lopez and Dylan Garner nipping at his heels. Maier will launch from fifth, proving that qualifying prowess isn't always about the starting spot when strategy and smarts come into play. But here's the part most people miss—the redraw system after qualifying can flip the script, creating opportunities or heartbreaks in an instant.
In the SMART Modified Tour for the Frontier Natural Gas 99, Joey Coulter broke through a rough patch with his second career pole, clocking a swift 17.225 seconds. Yet, after the post-qualifying redraw for the top four, he chose the third starting position. 'These guys have done an incredible job tweaking the cars every week,' Coulter beamed. 'Who knew I could snag a pole in a Modified? We finally dialed in the speed we needed, and even if I'm starting third, kicking that qualifying jinx is huge for us.' Leading the 28-car field to the green will be former Cup Series heavyweights Bobby Labonte in the No. 38 and Ryan Newman in the No. 2, thanks to the redraw—Labonte drew the top spot, while Newman picked second. Last week's victor, Carson Loftin, qualified second but will roll off fourth. This redraw for the top four can spark debate: is it a fair equalizer that levels the playing field, or does it unfairly disrupt hard-earned qualifying efforts? And this is the part that could get controversial—some fans argue it adds unpredictability and excitement, while others see it as robbing skilled qualifiers of their rightful advantage. What do you think? Does the system promote strategy, or is it a lottery that undermines pure speed?
As Saturday's races unfold at this storied speedway, the air will be electric with anticipation. Will Huffman capitalize on his maiden pole for a breakthrough win? Can Baldwin juggle double duties and secure those championships? And how will the Harvicks' experience stack up against the young guns? For newcomers, remember: these events aren't just about speed—they're about the human stories of perseverance, teamwork, and the thrill of the chase. SPEED SPORT's dedicated team, upholding a legacy of accurate and timely racing news since 1934, will keep you updated 24/7.
Who are you rooting for in these championship battles? Do you believe the post-qualifying redraw is a game-changer or a gimmick? Should veterans like the Harvicks have an edge over rookies? Share your takes, agreements, or disagreements in the comments below—we'd love to hear your perspective and spark a lively discussion!
