NASCAR’s All-Star Race

For long-term race fans, the name, The Winston still slips out once in a while, but the official name, NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, is the official title for one of the most exciting and crazy races of NASCAR’s Cup season.
 
Since 1985 The All-Star Race has been something that fans have looked forward to for the simple reason that it’s racing for that ONE race. There are no points, there is no change in standings for the winner or loser. It’s racing to win, pure and simple.  With the exception of 1986 when the race was held in Atlanta, the All-Star has been held at night at Lowe’s Motor Speedway; at night since 1992. It is open to winners from the previous and current season, the past ten event winners, and the past decade's Cup Series champions. Drivers are also eligible if they are one of the top two finishers in the Sprint Open qualifying race (a 40-lap race in two 20-lap segments for drivers not qualified for the main event) or remain on the lead lap in the Sprint Open and get the most votes.
 
One reason that the race is so fun is its unique format, which never remains the same. In 2007,  was shortened from prior years and was made up of 80 laps, broken down into four 20-lap segments.   A series of pit-stops between each segment and no inversion of the field (which was part of the race from 1992-1997 and 2002-2003) were the main differences.
 
Because of the main thrust of the race, “race to win the prize,” the All-Star tends to be filled with more crashes and spectacular moves (some may define them as reckless) than points races.  It’s common to have less finish than have the starting grid finish a race.
 
For the 2008 race, the event's name change also will feature the use of the edition of the race for the first time, with the 2008 race's official name the "Sprint All-Star Race XXIV."
 
Fans who are considering attending the All-Star should consider showing up a day beforehand for NASCAR Day. Held since 2005, NASCAR Day is a charity event to benefit the NASCAR Foundation, which provides funds to charities supported by drivers and team owners.