Monster All-Star Race Setup/Format

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 11, 2018) — NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway today announced the format and competition package for the May 19 Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race, both tailored to achieve one goal — the best possible race for the fans.
For the first time, Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series cars will implement the competition package used in last season’s successful NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which saw record numbers in leaders, lead changes and green-flag passes for the lead.

Each car will be fitted with aero ducts, a six-inch-high spoiler with two 12-inch ears, a restrictor plate and the 2014 style splitter. Working in concert, these additions create a unique aerodynamic effect, the results of which received high praise from fans and competitors following last year’s Xfinity race at Indianapolis.

“NASCAR is committed to innovation and will always work to improve the racing product for every series and venue,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “The yearly Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race is an opportunity to see your favorite drivers compete under a unique and exciting format and rules package. The positive feedback following last year’s Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis gave us the foundation to implement this dynamic package for the All-Star Race. We believe the hard work of the entire industry will provide the best race for our passionate fans.”

The format for the annual non-points event will include four stages — 30 laps, 20 laps, 20 laps and 10 laps. Only green-flag laps will be counted in the Final Stage. Normal stage break procedures will be in effect, with one exciting addition: NASCAR Overtime will be in play for all stages. Of note, there will be no mandatory pit strategy as in some of the previous editions of the event.

The Monster Energy Open will be three stages set at 20, 20 and 10 laps, respectively. Each stage winner will advance to the evening’s main event.
“The All-Star Race has a long history of edginess and innovation. We want to challenge drivers, spark on-track action and create the best show for the fans,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. “This race has always been a proving ground for some of the best innovations in our sport, from running under the lights to stage racing and double-file restarts. It’s the perfect opportunity to try something different, and with a 10-lap shootout for a million dollars, expect the unexpected on May 19.”

The field for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race will include Monster Energy Series race winners in 2017 and 2018; former all-star race winners who are competing full-time; Monster Energy Series champions who are competing full-time; the winner of each of the three stages of the Monster Energy Open; and the winner of the 2018 Fan Vote.

Currently, the following drivers are eligible to compete:
Ryan Blaney
Clint Bowyer
Kurt Busch
Kyle Busch
Austin Dillon
Denny Hamlin
Kevin Harvick
Jimmie Johnson
Kasey Kahne
Matt Kenseth
Brad Keselowski
Kyle Larson
Joey Logano
Jamie McMurray
Ryan Newman
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Martin Truex Jr.
 

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What’s the biggest change this year?
The rules package the cars will run. Restrictor plates will be in use at 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with a 6-inch high spoiler (with two 12-inch ears), a 2014 style splitter and aero ducts.

What does all that mean?
It’s designed to promote passing and tight competition. It’s very similar to the package the NASCAR Xfinity Series used at Indianapolis last year, a race which set a record number of leaders and lead changes.

What is the technical advantage of this package?
The entire package is designed to give the trailing car more of an aerodynamic advantage. You’ll see more slingshot-style moves and passes for the lead.

Let’s talk format. What is it?
Four stages comprise the event. Stage 1 ends on Lap 30; Stage 2 ends on Lap 50; Stage 3 on Lap 70; and Stage 4 on Lap 80.


What about NASCAR Overtime?
NASCAR Overtime will be in effect for ALL stages.


Are there mandatory pit stops?
Nope. Pitting is totally in the hands of each individual team this year.


Will the field be reset or inverted for Stage 4?
Again, no. This is where strategy comes into play. You might see some weird pitting toward the end of Stage 3 as a play for track position in Stage 4.


Anything else I should know about for the final stage?
Only green-flag laps will count in Stage 4.


How is the field set?
The field of drivers currently is comprised of all 2017 and 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race winners, former All-Star Race winners competing full time and former Monster Energy Series champs competing full time.


Is there any other way to qualify?
Yes. The winners of Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 in the preceding Monster Energy Open event will advance into the All-Star Race. And of course, there is the annual Fan Vote, the winner of which makes the big show.


How is the starting lineup set?
The ever-popular qualifying method is back this year. Drivers take three laps during qualifying, and it includes a mandatory four-tire pit stop. There is no pit-road speeding during qualifying, so drivers will look to push the limits.
 

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All-Star Qualifying Order:

Matt Kenseth
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Clint Bowyer
Kevin Harvick
Martin Truex Jr.
Ryan Blaney

Kyle Busch
Brad Keselowski
Austin Dillon
Joey Logano
Jimmie Johnson
Jamie McMurray
Ryan Newman
Denny Hamlin
Kurt Busch

Kyle Larson
Kasey Kahne
 

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