Each year when it comes to the annual All Star race for the Monster Energy Cup Series drivers, NASCAR And Charlotte Motor Speedway never do it quite the same way twice.
A non points race, drivers compete for a million dollar prize.
This year when the drivers take to the track on May 19 they will be running the same competition package that was used by the Xfinity Series last season during the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The package includes a six inch spoiler and for the first time at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a restrictor plate.
The racing format for the 80 lap race will feature four stages – a 30 lap segment, two 20 lap segments, and a 10 lap shootout. Only green flag laps will count for the shootout. Unlike in year’s past, teams will not be required to make mandatory pit stops during the segments.
While the ends of each stage will work in the same fashion as a normal race, there is one big change…the overtime rule will be in effect for the end of each stage.
For The Monster Energy Open that runs prior to the All Star race, there will be three stages – two 20 lap stages and a 10 lap shootout. The winner from each stage will advance to join the All Stars in the race.
In order to qualify for the All Star race, a driver must be a race winner in 2017 or 2018, be a former All Star race winner who is competing full time, or be a Monster Energy Cup Series champion who is still competing full time.
Along with the three Open race stage winners, there will be one more driver added to the field via the fan vote.
Currently there are 17 drivers who are eligible to run in the 2018 All Star race:
Ryan Blaney
Clint Bowyer
Kurt Busch
Kyle Busch
Austin Dillon
Denny Hamlin
Kevin Harvick
Jimmie Johnson
Kasey Kahne
Brad Keselowski
Kyle Larson
Joey Logano
Jamie McMurray
Ricky Stenhouse Jr
Ryan Newman
Martin Truex Jr
and Matt Kenseth who is not driving in the Monster Energy Cup Series this season.