All-Star Race - 2009

[RaceFanStan]

The 2009 All-Star Race format has been changed to :
• Segment 1 - 50 laps with a mandatory green-flag pit stop on Lap 25 at which time teams MUST pit and take 4 tires.
Following the end of Segment 1, the caution flag will be displayed for an optional pit stop.
• Segment 2 - 20 laps with the caution flag displayed at the end of the segment for an optional pit stop.
• Segment 3 - 20 laps with a 10-minute break at the end of the segment.
Teams may make normal adjustments to their cars during this break.
The finishing order after the third segment determines the final starting positions for the final segment.
• Segment 4 - 10-lap shootout with only green-flag laps counting.

the 2009 All-Star Race Lineup :
Race winning drivers in 2008 and 2009
01 #39 Ryan Newman
02 #99 Carl Edwards
03 #18 Kyle Busch
04 #31 Jeff Burton
05 #11 Denny Hamlin
06 #48 Jimmie Johnson
07 #33 Clint Bowyer
08 #9 Kasey Kahne
09 #88 Dale Earnhardt Jr
10 #2 Kurt Busch
11 #16 Greg Biffle
12 #14 Tony Stewart
13 #17 Matt Kenseth
14 #24 Jeff Gordon
15 #5 Mark Martin
16 #09 Brad Keselowski

Previous Cup Champions within the last 10 years (not a 2008/2009 winner)
17 #96 Bobby Labonte 2000

Previous Winners of the All-Star Race within the last 10 years
18 #29 Kevin Harvick 2007

and
19 Sprint Showdown Winner
20 Sprint Showdown 2nd Place Finisher
21 Fan Vote Winner

Eligible but will NOT Compete :
Terry Labonte - (semi-retired) 1999 All-Star Winner (also a Past Cup Champion 1984 & 1996)
Dale Jarrett - (retired) Past Cup Champion 1999

Race winning Owners in 2008 but that are now not eligible
#12-David Stremme
(Penske Racing - race won by Ryan Newman)
#07-Casey Mears
(Richard Childress Racing - race won by Clint Bowyer)
#20-Joey Logano
(Joe Gibbs Racing - race won by Tony Stewart)

[slorydn1]

19 #29-Kevin Harvick 2007

at least he's in.....

[Oli_M]

I like the sound of these changes. Last year was the first All-Star race I actually watched the whole way through - being in the UK makes it tricky - and I enjoyed it. Hopefully this will spice it up a bit more.

Biq question though is - who else (if anyone?) will get in before the Showdown????

[RaceFanStan]

......Biq question though is - who else (if anyone?) will get in before the Showdown????
Any driver not listed that wins a points race between now & the All-Star Race will be added. :D

[Mark in Oshawa]

I just hope no one runs away and we get a good race. I saw the first one under the lights on TV and it was the first time this race meant anything to me. The fact it was a finish with one car sideways, shrapnel flying everywhere and lots of good racing is what made this race really work as a tv spectacle. This format should give them no excuses...

[RaceFanStan]

A 10 lap shot-out is usually a good formula for an exciting finish. :D

Another thing I like about the new format is there will be NO inversion,
starting the fast cars from the previous segment in the back was asking for trouble IMO.
I like close racing, NOT crashing & tore-up racecars.

[call_me_andrew]

I like close racing, NOT crashing & tore-up racecars.

Someone should take a screenshot because this is one of those rare times Stan and I agree.

I was going to save this for the "What would you change" thread, but I'll throw this out now and call it a preview.

Though I don't like ending the segment with a caution flag. Ever since NASCAR did away with racing back to the caution ending the segments has become messy. I'd rather they use the checkered flag instead.

I'd exend the first segment to 70 laps. At this distance everyone should have to make a pit stop. Tires may not be changed under yellow unless damaged. Fuel may not be taken under yellow unless a car is about to run out (and then it will have to stop again under green). Cars off the lead lap after the segment are parked. After this there is a 10-minute break with unlimited adjustments.

The second segment would be a 15-lap sprint to the finish.

[oldhippie]

i like that the last 10 lap segment will only count green flag laps so there will be no finish under caution

[RaceFanStan]

Here is the link to the All-Star Page with the Fan Vote on the right side.

http://www.nascar.com/promos/allstar/

VOTE for your favorite driver to join the All-Star field. :D

[cgs]

i dont like the 10 minute break before the final segment. the excitement will be building up and building up all race, only to be shattered by a lot of waiting around just when the excitement is reaching its peek! i would much rather the break be after segment 1 or 2.

[slorydn1]

I, for one, am looking forward to it. Reminds me more of the old deal they had there :p

[call_me_andrew]

i dont like the 10 minute break before the final segment. the excitement will be building up and building up all race, only to be shattered by a lot of waiting around just when the excitement is reaching its peek! i would much rather the break be after segment 1 or 2.

I get my jollies from shock changes, so the 10 minute break is like crack to me.

[RaceFanStan]

I, for one, am looking forward to it. Reminds me more of the old deal they had there :p
Yes, I agree it will be very close to the old races but without the dumb invert. :D
(I always hated the field being inverted & I won't miss it.)

[RC-Cola37]

Make sure you vote at NASCAR or Sprint, your vote counts.


Who are you voting for? A lot of the usual suspects are already in the race, and Keselowski is in now too even though he still appears on the voting card.

Bill Elliott NASCAR's "Most Popular" king is on the entry list, but is his support still out there?

By performances perhaps David Reutimann is the best choice, but, if performances alone was the criteria, then he would logically race his way in and not need the fans help!


I would have to say personally either Robby Gordon or Jeremy Mayfield. I'm voting for Mayfield, but there is no love lost from me for someone who supports Robby as well.

Owner/Driver single car teams. These are the guys in my opinion that need the fans support more than anyone else. The thing that puts Jeremy over the edge for me, is that he doesnt get to race every week because of these start and park-ers. Robby, though barely, is still in the top 35.

So unless your favorite driver is not eligible for the All-Star race and you are voting for them, I'd go Jeremy, then Robby.

Tell me who is your favorite driver, and if you aren't voting for them, who are you voting for and why.

Thanks :)

[RaceFanStan]

I'm going with a previous All-Star Winner & Cup Race Winner, MICHAEL WALTRIP. :D :up:

[RaceFanStan]

(I felt I should post the link again, time is running out.) :eek:

Here is the link to the All-Star Page with the Fan Vote on the right side.

http://www.nascar.com/promos/allstar/

VOTE for your favorite driver to join the All-Star field. :D

[Lee Roy]

Thanks Stan, I just threw another vote Montoya's way.

[XM369]

Yay less than a week to go and we will be in concorde, ready for speed week.

Anyone else from uk gonna be there??

[jeffconn]

Do we have an entry list for the Sprint Showdown yet? It's open to anyone who can pay the entry fee, right?

[The instant classic]

i wish they wolud stop changing the rules every year for the all-star race :\

[Sparky1329]

I'm voting for Robby Gordon. :D :up:

[RaceFanStan]

I wonder who will bring out the 1st caution ... http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g202/gr8link/orn/fish.gif
I'll pick Brad Keselowski http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g202/gr8link/orn/00.gif

[muggle not]

I wonder who will bring out the 1st caution ...
I'll pick Brad Keselowski

I'm voting for Robby Gordon. :D :up:
Not if Sparky can get enough votes for Robby. :D :p : :D

[Sparky1329]

Not if Sparky can get enough votes for Robby. :D :p : :D


:p

[colinspooky]

Sigh - I was there two years ago, for the whole fortnight with access all areas passes (almost) ..... TWO YEARS !!!! I am getting old too fast. :eek:

[RaceFanStan]

Not if Sparky can get enough votes for Robby. :D :p : :D
For Robby to be the 1st caution in the All-Star Race he must 1st make the race. http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g202/gr8link/orn/00.gif

[Sparky1329]

Very cute, you two. Quit pickin' on my boy. :D

[RaceFanStan]

Several drivers will have an impossible mission to make the All-Star Race :eek:

[muggle not]

Very cute, you two. Quit pickin' on my boy. :D
"Why is everybody always picking on me". :)

[RaceFanStan]

Do we have an entry list for the Sprint Showdown yet? It's open to anyone who can pay the entry fee, right?
Nope, it takes more than just an entry fee.
The drivers have to at least attempted Cup races before.

The REVISED Showdown Starting Line-up :
01. David Stremme #12 Dodge
02. Dave Blaney #66 Toyota
03. Scott Riggs #36 Toyota
04. Martin Truex Jr. #1 Chevrolet
05. David Ragan #6 Ford
06. Sam Hornish Jr. #77 Dodge
07. Max Papis #13 Toyota
08. A.J. Allmendinger #44 Dodge
09. Juan Montoya #42 Chevrolet
10. Mike Wallace #37 Chevrolet
11. David Reutimann #00 Toyota
12. Marcos Ambrose #47 Toyota
13. Dexter Bean #51 Dodge
14. Bill Elliott #21 Ford
15. Derrike Cope #75 Dodge
16. Norm Benning #57 Chevrolet
17. Joey Logano* #20 Toyota
18. Scott Speed* #82 Toyota
19. Joe Nemechek #87 Toyota
20. David Gilliland #71 Chevrolet
21. Casey Mears #07 Chevrolet
22. Paul Menard #98 Ford
23. Mike Garvey #73 Dodge
24. Todd Bodine #64 Toyota
25. Elliott Sadler #19 Dodge
26. Michael Waltrip #55 Toyota
27. David Starr #06 Dodge
28. Jamie McMurray #26 Ford
29. Brian Vickers #83 Toyota
30. Robby Gordon #7 Toyota
31. J.J. Yeley #41 Toyota
32. Reed Sorenson #43 Dodge
33. Tony Raines #34 Chevrolet
34. Kirk Shelmerdine #27 Toyota
35. Carl Long #46 Dodge

Kirk Shelmerdine #27 was on the pole for the event with Carl Long #46 to start 2nd ...
however NASCAR ruled that both Shelmerdine & Long will have to go to the rear of the field after the pace laps
(the #27 for not being able to present himself for inspection & the #46 for an engine change)

http://www.nascar.com/2009/news/headlines/cup/05/15/dstremme.all.star.notebook/index.html

[Sparky1329]

"Why is everybody always picking on me". :)

What a blast from the past! ;)

[NickFalzone]

Mike Skinner's hit in the truck race is one of the worst I've ever seen, at least in which the driver came out OK. I just can't believe he walked away from that.

[RaceFanStan]

The All-Star Starting Line-up :
01. Jimmie Johnson #48 Chevrolet
02. Kurt Busch #2 Dodge
03. Matt Kenseth #17 Ford
04. Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Chevrolet
05. Mark Martin #5 Chevrolet
06. Jeff Gordon #24 Chevrolet
07. Bobby Labonte #96 Ford
08. Kasey Kahne #9 Dodge
09. Kevin Harvick #29 Chevrolet
10. Brad Keselowski #09 Chevrolet
11. Greg Biffle #16 Ford
12. Ryan Newman #39 Chevrolet
13. Kyle Busch #18 Toyota
14. Carl Edwards #99 Ford
15. Tony Stewart #14 Chevrolet
16. Jeff Burton #31 Chevrolet
17. Clint Bowyer #33 Chevrolet
18. Denny Hamlin * #11 Toyota
19. Sprint Showdown Winner
20. Sprint Showdown 2nd Place Finisher
21. Fan Vote Winner

* Denny Hamlin was on his way to a top qualifying effort but broke exiting the pits.

The fun begins tonight @ 7:00 PM (ET) on SPEED.

[Sparky1329]

Congrats to the #31 team for winning the Pit Crew Challenge! Good work guys!

[Sparky1329]

Woooo hoooo SMOKE!!!!!

[RaceFanStan]

All-Star Race Finishing Order
01. Tony Stewart #14 Chevrolet
02. Matt Kenseth #17 Ford
03. Kurt Busch #2 Dodge
04. Denny Hamlin #11 Toyota
05. Carl Edwards #99 Ford
06. Mark Martin #5 Chevrolet
07. Kyle Busch #18 Toyota
08. Joey Logano #20 Toyota ~ (Fan Vote Winner)
09. Jamie McMurray #26 Ford ~ (Showdown 2nd Place Finisher)
10. Dale Earnhardt Jr. #88 Chevrolet
11. Bobby Labonte #96 Ford
12. Clint Bowyer #33 Chevrolet
13. Jimmie Johnson #48 Chevrolet
14. Kasey Kahne #9 Dodge
15. Kevin Harvick #29 Chevrolet
16. Sam Hornish Jr. #77 Dodge ~ (Showdown Winner)
17. Brad Keselowski #09 Chevrolet
18. Ryan Newman #39 Chevrolet ~ lap 92 Accident
19. Jeff Gordon #24 Chevrolet ~ lap 92 Accident
20. Jeff Burton #31 Chevrolet ~ lap 85 Engine
21. Greg Biffle #16 Ford ~ lap 71 Accident

Congrats to Tony Stewart for winning an exciting All-Star Race. :D :up:

[Mark in Oshawa]

Interesting. The first caution was from Hornish spinning into and using Biffle to straighten himself......but it was a quiet race until that last 10 laps.

Holy schmoly did the boys ever put on a show this year. It was one of the better efforts but it reminds of the old saw about basketball. Just tune into the last 10 minutes.....

Congrats to Smoke, who I figured had the car all along. He was just creeping up through the field all night while hugging the bottom. At Charlotte, anyone who can run down low and pass people will move to the front and it was obvious once we hit the last 10 laps he had the car and he just used his savvy and smarts to work his way up. No point in scooting to the front and stinking up the show eh?

[muggle not]

Kudos to Tony. Nice to see him win. People seem to have forgotten how good a driver he is. newman though had the car to beat.

Darn good race. The last 10 was reminiscent of the old "Winston" races. Remember in 1989 when Rusty took out DW for the win on the last lap and Rusty was afraid to slow down on the cool down lap as DW was chasing him. that was the race that Rusty won $200,000 and DW said over the the infield microphone..."I hope he chokes on it".

[RaceFanStan]

Jimmie Johnson led every lap of the 1st 50 lap segment & looked like he might stink-up the show ...
however a spin during the final segment dropped Johnson to 13th at the finish.[/*:m:ncr2m04k]

Kyle Busch led all 20 laps to win the 2nd segment[/*:m:ncr2m04k]
Kyle Busch stayed out between the 2nd & 3rd segments but surrendered the lead to Jeff Gordon halfway.
Kyle Busch & Matt Kenseth were left to battle for 2nd as Jeff Gordon roared away ...
Jeff Gordon won the 3rd segment leading the final 10 of 20 laps & looked like he might pull-off the win in the 4th segment[/*:m:ncr2m04k]
Lap 93 of 100 (3rd of the final 10-lap shootout) caution came out because ...
Ryan Newman pushed Kyle Busch past then leader Jeff Gordon on the backstretch ...
(Newman suffered a cut tire after the final restart and fell to 18th at the finish)
As the cars sped 3-wide through Turn 3, contact between Jeff Gordon & Kyle Busch sent the #24 Chevy spinning ...
Jeff Gordon slid through the grass and ultimately into the wall ending his night. :s[/*:m:ncr2m04k]
The field restarted with Kyle Busch in the lead with 8 laps remaining, but he soon surrendered the top spot to Kenseth.
(Only green flag laps counted in the final segment)
Tony Stewart passed Matt Kenseth through Turn 2 on Lap 99 of 100 to win the Sprint All-Star Race.[/*:m:ncr2m04k]

[UltimateDanGTR]

Im a brit, and new to this NASCAR business. I hadnt really taken an interest in nascar till a few weeks back when i watched the richmond race. I was impressed by that and Darlington, but this race at charlotte was amazing! Last 10 laps were superb, unlucky Gordon, Johnson and Newman, but they entertained me continuously. Loved it when Stewart passed Kenseth on the penultimate lap.

so now i've fallen in love with nascar (and taken a liking to the Bush brothers) i cant wait for more exhilirating action in the remaining 25 races!

Much more interesting and entertaining than F1! Never knew I would turn out to be a secret american.......

[jeffmr2]

I think the all star race has shown that the points system for championship races needs a big change with race winners getting a much larger points bonus.Its clear too many drivers now settle for a 3rd/4th/5th finish as being a good days work instead of being encouraged to go all out for the win and give us fans more thrilling finishes.

[RaceFanStan]

I think "all or nothing" racing would make every race a crash fest.
The All-Star race is a novelty event for big money, the drivers take chances because no points are involved ...
IMO it has a place as a one-off race but it's concept would ruin NASCAR.

[Glen 320]

The last 10 laps just reminded me why i love nascar so much,wow!

[Mark in Oshawa]

I think "all or nothing" racing would make every race a crash fest.
The All-Star race is a novelty event for big money, the drivers take chances because no points are involved ...
IMO it has a place as a one-off race but it's concept would ruin NASCAR.


Would giving the winner 250 points ruin NASCAR? Or liven up the end of some pretty dull races? I do think too many guys race for "good points days" when they are in the top 5 and refuse to do anything to risk that finish.