NASCAR – What is the Sprint All-Star Race?

It’s been playoffs galore the past month with the NBA and NHL now deep into their respective postseasons. Meanwhile, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is just about halfway through its season. With that comes the exciting Sprint All-Star Race, filled with the best and brightest stock car drivers in the world.

The Sprint All-Star Race has plenty of new changes this year, though. There’s also a qualifying race that’ll take place a day before that you may want to sink your teeth into. It’s now time to take a look at the latest rule changes and define what exactly the Sprint All-Star Race is. Read on as we take a look at what you’ll need to know heading into this weekend’s race.

For more on the All-Star Race, check out our purse/money breakdown and complete preview for the Sprint Showdown qualifier.

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What is the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race?

2016 Rule Change

There’s going to be a new format for the 2016 NASCAR All-Star Race this coming weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’ll create a new aero package in hopes of creating an exciting $1 million exhibition for plenty of fans and drivers.

NASCAR has three updates to the rules package which aims to reduce downforce and side force. The changes will be in place for the Sprint Showdown as well as the Sprint All-Star Race.

First, teams must weld truck trailing arm mounting brackets to prevent movement. Second, cooling fans will be limited for reduced downforce. Lastly, the alignment of the rear toe will be changed to decrease the amount of skew allowed in a car’s setup.

The Sprint All-Star Race?

The changes should make for a faster and more exciting race. But wait. What is the Sprint All-Star Race exactly? It features three segments. Two 50-lap segments and a 13-lap final dash designed to make an explosive finish.

A random draw will be determined to decide if the top-running nine, 10 or 11 cars have to pit for a mandatory four-tire stop between the second and third segments. The cars with fresh ties have to line up behind the remaining cars running on old tires. It’s going to be one hell of a chase when it comes to getting to victory lane.

Sprint Showdown

The Sprint All-Star Race still isn’t complete, though. Before Saturday’s race, a group of drivers who didn’t qualify for the main attraction will race in the Sprint Showdown on Friday. The qualifier will be a three-segment race with two 20-lap sections and one 10-lap segment. There will be a mandatory two-tire pit stop between each segment. The winner of each segment in the Showdown will qualify for the All-Star Race.

Fan Vote

Originally, fans will vote for one driver who will be included in the All-Star Race. Since Jeff Gordon retired following the 2015 season, the runner-up in the fan vote will be eligible for the All-Star Race. Should circumstances warrant the withdrawal of one or more drivers eligible for the race, the third and subsequent placed drivers in the Fan Vote would advance to the main draw.

Multiple Winners

Jimmie Johnson – Four (2003, 2006, 2012, 2013)

Dale Earnhardt – Three (1987, 1990, 1993)

Jeff Gordon – Three (1995, 1997, 2001)

Davey Allison – Two (1991, 1992)

Terry Labonte – Two (1988, 1999)

Mark Martin – Two (1998, 2005)

Multiple Team Winners

Hendrick Motorsports – Eight (1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2012, 2013)

Richard Childress Racing – Four (1987, 1990, 1993, 2007)

Roush Fenway Racing – Four (1998, 2004, 2005, 2011)

Junior Johnson & Associates – Two (1985, 1988)

Robert Yates Racing – Two (1991, 1992)

Penske Racing – Two (2002, 2010)

Manufacturer Wins

Chevrolet – 17 (1985, 1987–1988, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999–2001, 2003, 2006–2007, 2009, 2012–2014)

Ford – 10 (1986, 1991–1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2002, 2004–2005, 2011)

Dodge – Two (2008, 2010)

Pontiac – One (1989)

Toyota – One (2015)

Make some money through NASCAR’s high-octane action. Create a betting account now because there’s plenty of money to be made towards the second half of the Sprint Cup Series.