An eye-watering $100,000 prize was up for grabs during the Pit Crew Challenge on Friday, as part of the NASCAR All-Star race weekend at North Wilkesboro. Michael McDowell’s No. 71 Spire Motorsports pit crew bagged the cash for changing all four tires in just 12.587 seconds.

Reacting to the achievement, McDowell’s jackman Dax Hollifield, commented:

“This is awesome. It’s definitely beyond my wildest dreams. We’ve been working hard this year. We’re probably the youngest team on pit road.

“It was just hard work and determination that made the difference. I’ve got no words. I can’t breathe. I blacked out during the stop.”

Despite this, McDowell is yet to qualify for the All-Star Race. The 40-year-old driver, who will start the All-Star Open from fourth, will need to finish in the top two to be able to compete in the All-Star Race on Sunday evening.

Shane Van Gisbergen will start the All-Star Open from pole position, followed by Carson Hocevar and Noah Gragson. Van Gisbergen commented:

“I think we got all the things right. Thanks to WeatherTech and the Trackhouse pit crew. I’ve never started up front on an oval, so I’ll have to figure that one out.”

Brad Keselowski is set to start the coveted All-Star Race from pole position, which is the first in his career. The RFK Racing co-owner explained:

“It’s pretty cool to win the pole. I’ve never won an All-Star Race pole, so this is something new for my career. It was a total team effort. The pit crew, (Crew Chief) Jeremy Bullins, everyone gave me a rock-star car. I’m so happy for everybody on this team.”

NASCAR All-Star Open: Starting Lineup

1. Shane van Gisbergen
2. Carson Hocevar
3. Noah Gragson
4. Michael McDowell
5. Ryan Preece
6. Zane Smith
7. Justin Haley
8. John H Nemechek
9. Ty Gibbs
10. Ty Dillon
11. Cole Custer
12. Erik Jones
13. Riley Herbst
14. Bubba Wallace
15. Cody Ware
16. AJ Allmendinger
17. Todd Gilliland
18. Chad Finchum