A double-dip of sorts is set for Saturday night. The night kicks off with the Sprint Showdown, a final chance for drivers not already locked into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race to make the show.
That’s followed by the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, a best-of-the-best showcase with heaps of prestige – and a cool million bucks – going to the winner.
The racing weekend begins on Friday and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, though, with the running of the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES STORYLINES
The Stars Align, and Shine
There are no points to be had, and no reason to settle for anything but first.
The annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, paying a million dollars to the winner, is a showcase for only the best. To be eligible, a driver must have won at least one race in 2009 or 2010, have won the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race within the last 10 years, or have been a past series champion within the last 10 years.
There are four segments in the race. The first is 50 laps, second and third are 20 laps, and the fourth is 10 laps, with only green-flag laps counting in the final segment. There will be a mandatory four-tire pit stop prior to the fourth segment. The order the cars exit pit road will be the order in which they start the final segment.
Tony Stewart won the event last year. It was his first trip to Victory Lane as a driver-owner with his then-new team Stewart-Haas Racing.
The Sprint Showdown: One Last Chance
Not locked in? Then there are two options. Either win the Sprint Fan Vote, or finish in the top two in the Sprint Showdown.
This year’s Sprint Showdown is filled with some huge names, which should make for a wild event: Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Juan Pablo Montoya, Martin Truex Jr., Carl Edwards, among others.
Sam Hornish Jr. and Jamie McMurray nabbed the two transfer spots last season. McMurray avoids the nerve-wracking race this season, thanks to his wins at Talladega last season, and his Daytona 500 victory this year.
Pit Crew Challenge: All About the Team
On Wednesday night at the Time Warner Cable Arena, the team aspect of NASCAR will be center stage.
The contest will match pit crew teams against each other in events testing the skills of the front and rear tire changer and carrier, the gasman, the jack man, all culminating in a 40-yard car push by the entire crew.
Teamwork, as is the case during ever NASCAR event, is an absolute must for success.
Jeff Burton No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team won the event last season.
NASCAR Day: Get Your Pin On
On Friday, May 21, NASCAR celebrates NASCAR Day. NASCAR Day is a charitable celebration of the NASCAR spirit that enables fans and partners to join together to make a difference in the lives of children. NASCAR Day encourages fans to make a $5 donation for a collectible lapel pin which in turn will support programs that help children live happier, healthier lives. Fans can also volunteer at a number of NASCAR Day service projects across the country. Since it began in 2004, NASCAR Day has raised nearly $8 million for charity. For more information visit www.NASCAR.COM/NASCARDay.
The Starting Five: Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony set for Sunday
The long wait is over. On Sunday, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which officially opened last Tuesday, will induct its first five members.
Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, Bill France Sr. and Bill France Jr. make up the inaugural class.
TEXT AND PHOTO FROM NASCAR MEDIA
0 comments:
Post a Comment