New Improved Sprint All-Star Challenge

Kasey Kahne

Charlotte, NC — The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race is 28-years-old this year and it is time for a makeover.  Representatives from NASCAR, Sprint and Charlotte Motor Speedway announced the new format at Charlotte on Wednesday.

The new format will be made up of four 20-lap segments  and ending with a 10-lap shootout for the finish.  The last driver standing at the end of the 10-lap segment will take home a check of $1 million.  Before the final 10 laps the cars will have to make a mandatory pit stop.  If a driver wins one of the 20-lap segments they will get to move to the front of the field to take pit road in positions one through four.

Robin Pemberton

“This new addition to the format is going to provide even greater incentive for the drivers to go all out to win one of the four segments,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition.

“It also puts even more focus on the pit crews and how they perform during that final pit stop. The team aspect of the sport will be highlighted more than ever.” Pemberton added.

To be eligible for the Sprint All-Star race you must have previously won a race in either 2011 or 2012 season through May 12 or any past champions of the All-Star Race or a Sprint Cup Champion in the preceding 10 years.  The winner of the Sprint Showdown and one driver voted in by fans will also race for the million dollar prize.

Drivers eligible for the race as of Wednesday are Tony Stewart, Regan Smith, David Ragan, Ryan Newman, Paul Menard, Mark Martin, Brad Keselowski, Matt Kenseth, Kasey Kahne, Jimmie Johnson, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch, Trevor Bayne and Marcos Ambrose.

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