This is one of two occasions where everyone who signs up gets to fight it out in competition. When it comes to when NASCAR elevates to the highest level of exposure, there’s Daytona’s “Speed Week” where every entry is entitled to race in the Twin 125’s in an attempt to race in the Daytona 500. There’s Charlotte’s “Speed Week,” and here it is. Tonight all contenders get their shot to participate in NASCAR’s All-Star race in a hotly contested race where only two drivers advance to join the field of those who based on the criteria of championships and victories is already in the field. One lucky driver will get in based on fan voting.
While the All-Star event counts nothing toward the championship, a million dollar trophy check and bragging rights makes it red hot for the drivers. The shootout style of racing, a series of heats, leading to the last hurrah intensifies the sense of drama as there are no long stretches to sort things out. It’s all out racing from start to finish and some insane things happen as a result.
Dale Earnhardt blasted around Bill Elliot racing through the infield grass to “git ‘er done.” Darrell Waltrip crossed the finish line as his engine exploded in great Junior Johnson fashion. Rusty Wallace knocked DW out of the way and spun him out for the victory. In the first night race in 1992, Kyle Petty and Davey Allison wrecked as they battled for the win at the finish line spinning and crashing as they took the checkered flag. Davey Allison never made it to victory lane. He was taken to a hospital for injuries sustained in the wreck. Though it is an all-star event, rookies win it. Ask Ryan Newman.
This year, there are some red hot drivers fighting to make the field including Juan Pablo Montoya, fastest in practice so far; Carl Edwards, and how badly does his team need some bragging rights right now? Clint Bowyer and Jeff Burton must race to get in even though RCR has been red hot so far, but no win, not in. Bill Elliot, who has such a long history racing in the event, will be in the action too.
With 26 competitors, some who never race in earnest will be present too like Norm Benning. All the start and park teams will be present but there’s no easy exit to the pits as this race is so intense right from the beginning and given qualifying was washed out and drivers are lined up based on the luck of the draw.
The one thing that could dampen the enthusiasm is a high likelihood for thunderstorms in the Charlotte area. Long delays or a postponement would absolutely destroy the wild atmosphere and intensity of one of the most fun events on the entire racing calendar. We’re not even remotely thinking about who is in the best position to win. With the scattered starting order with qualifying washed out, it will be pure madness. Some mighty hot machinery will have to push, bang and bump to move into competition and some will pay the price for doing so. All the more reason, this is one fun race.
While the All-Star event counts nothing toward the championship, a million dollar trophy check and bragging rights makes it red hot for the drivers. The shootout style of racing, a series of heats, leading to the last hurrah intensifies the sense of drama as there are no long stretches to sort things out. It’s all out racing from start to finish and some insane things happen as a result.
Dale Earnhardt blasted around Bill Elliot racing through the infield grass to “git ‘er done.” Darrell Waltrip crossed the finish line as his engine exploded in great Junior Johnson fashion. Rusty Wallace knocked DW out of the way and spun him out for the victory. In the first night race in 1992, Kyle Petty and Davey Allison wrecked as they battled for the win at the finish line spinning and crashing as they took the checkered flag. Davey Allison never made it to victory lane. He was taken to a hospital for injuries sustained in the wreck. Though it is an all-star event, rookies win it. Ask Ryan Newman.
This year, there are some red hot drivers fighting to make the field including Juan Pablo Montoya, fastest in practice so far; Carl Edwards, and how badly does his team need some bragging rights right now? Clint Bowyer and Jeff Burton must race to get in even though RCR has been red hot so far, but no win, not in. Bill Elliot, who has such a long history racing in the event, will be in the action too.
With 26 competitors, some who never race in earnest will be present too like Norm Benning. All the start and park teams will be present but there’s no easy exit to the pits as this race is so intense right from the beginning and given qualifying was washed out and drivers are lined up based on the luck of the draw.
The one thing that could dampen the enthusiasm is a high likelihood for thunderstorms in the Charlotte area. Long delays or a postponement would absolutely destroy the wild atmosphere and intensity of one of the most fun events on the entire racing calendar. We’re not even remotely thinking about who is in the best position to win. With the scattered starting order with qualifying washed out, it will be pure madness. Some mighty hot machinery will have to push, bang and bump to move into competition and some will pay the price for doing so. All the more reason, this is one fun race.
ADDITIONAL NOTE:
We send out our sympathy and best wishes to Brian Vickers who will not return to racing in the 2010 season. His blog clot condition is serious enough it will take the entire season to treat. This is a most unfortunate blow for the driver and team who had just broken through into The Chase in 2009.
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