NSCS: Sprint All-Star Race Format Receives Revamp

The NASCAR Sprint Cup series will have a new electrifying format for the 2016 All-Star at Charlotte Motor Speedway later this month.

The winner of the All-Star race will be decided in a 113 lap race, will include two 50-lap segments along with mandatory green-flag pit stops anticipated to shuffle the field. That will come to a climax with a 13-lap trophy sprint that guarantees to bring spine-tingling racing.

“The NASCAR Sprint All-Star race has been a fan favorite,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. “ We think this year’s format will ensure one of the best all-star races to date and we can’t wait to see it play out.”

Prior to the start of the final segment there will be a random draw to decide whether the top nine, 10 or 11 car will enter pit road to take a mandatory four-tire pit stop. The rest of the field will stay out on older tires and lead then to them to the green to start the final segment. The cars with the four new tires will have to line up behind those with the older tires. This will sweeten the captivating fight to the finish for the $1 million dollar prize.

“We worked with NASCAR and talked to several drivers to gather feedback for what they thought would make the very best race for the fans” said Marcus Smith, Charlotte Motor Speedway President and General Manager. “The drivers don’t all agree on the perfect strategy, which means some driver will be fighting on race-worn tires to say up front at the end, while others will be charging through the field on new tires after the final pit stop. At the end of the final shootout, one driver will have a million reasons why ’13’ is a lucky number.”

The new format is reminiscent to the early years of the All-Star race, where there where longer segments with more racing in the driver’s hands, while the final 13-lap dash will offer the elation of the unknown as teams fight aggressive to the front with fresh tire.

“The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race has always been a special race for our sport and I believe this year’s format may offer up the best race to date,” said Brad Keselowski. “I hope to be the one with the million-dollar check at the end. The last segment is sure to demand the ultimate performance.

“Winning the last segment will require the driver to masterfully navigate traffic and hunt down the leader, or hold of the best drivers with an ill-handling car on old tires with everything on the line.”

NASCAR SPRINT ALL-STAR RACE FORMAT (MAY 21):

• Segment 1 (50 laps): Field set determined by qualifying, mandatory green-flag pit stop for a minimum of two tires;
• Break 1 (3-5 minutes): Mandatory pit stop with a minimum two-tire change before Segment 2;
• Segment 2 (50 laps): Field set determined by pit-road exit, one mandatory green-flag pit stop for a minimum of two tires before lap 85;
• Break 2 (3-5 minutes): Random draw to decide whether the top nine, 10 or 11 cars must enter pit road for a mandatory four-tire pit stop, pit road closed for all other cars, pit-road exit determines Segment 3 starting order, cars leaving pit road line up behind cars that did not pit;
• Segment 3 (13 laps): Only green-flag laps count (NASCAR Overtime procedures apply).

SPRINT SHOWDOWN FORMAT (MAY 20):

• Segment 1 (20 laps): Field set by practice speed, winner advances to NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and does not continue in Showdown;
• Segment 2 (20 laps): Field set by pit-road order after mandatory minimum two-tire pit stop, winner advances to NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and does not continue in Showdown;
• Segment 3 (10 laps): Field set by pit-road order after mandatory minimum two–tire pit stop, winner advances to NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race (NASCAR Overtime rules apply).

ELIGIBILITY: Drivers who have won a race in the current or preceding year, past NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race winners, past NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champions, Sprint Showdown Segment 1, 2 and last-chance qualifier winners and the Sprint Fan Vote winner are eligible to compete. The final order of the Sprint Fan Vote will fill any remaining spots until the field reaches the minimum of 20 cars. Sprint Fan Vote balloting ends prior to the Sprint Showdown on May 20.