Oval NASCAR NASCAR Cup Series 2018 NASCAR All-Star Race format
2018 NASCAR All-Star Race format
Do you know the format for this tonight's NASCAR All-Star race?
There's a new format; New rules package for the 2018 NASCAR All-Star Race
This weekend the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers will race for $1,000,000 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
NASCAR's much-anticipated Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race is set for May 19 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), and now we know both the format and the rules package.
Both key components were unveiled April 11 on "Race Hub." We're here to break down the key questions you may have.
What's the biggest change this year?
The rules package the cars will run. Restrictor plates will be in use at 1.5-mile Charlotte Motor Speedway, along with a 6-inch high spoiler (with two 12-inch ears), a 2014 style splitter and aero ducts.
What does all that mean?
It's designed to promote passing and tight competition. It's very similar to the package the NASCAR Xfinity Series used at Indianapolis last year, a race which set a record number of leaders and lead changes.
What is the technical advantage of this package?
The entire package is designed to give the trailing car more of an aerodynamic advantage. You'll see more slingshot-style moves and passes for the lead.
2018 NASCAR All-Star restrictor plate package
Let's talk format. What is it?
Four stages comprise the event. Stage 1 ends on Lap 30; Stage 2 ends on Lap 50; Stage 3 on Lap 70; and Stage 4 on Lap 80.
What about NASCAR Overtime?
NASCAR Overtime will be in effect for ALL stages. Stages will not end under yellow.
Are there mandatory pit stops?
Nope. Pitting is totally in the hands of each individual team this year.
Will the field be reset or inverted for Stage 4?
Again, no. This is where strategy comes into play. You might see some weird pitting toward the end of Stage 3 as a play for track position in Stage 4.
Anything else I should know about for the final stage?
Only green-flag laps will count in Stage 4.
How is the field set?
The field of drivers currently is comprised of all 2017 and 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race winners, former All-Star Race winners competing full time and former Monster Energy Series champs competing full time.
Is there any other way to qualify?
Yes. The winners of Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 in the preceding Monster Energy Open event will advance into the All-Star Race. And of course, there is the annual Fan Vote, the winner of which makes the big show.
How is the starting lineup set?
The ever-popular qualifying method is back this year. Drivers take three laps during qualifying, and it includes a mandatory four-tire pit stop. There is no pit-road speeding during qualifying, so drivers will look to push the limits.
2018 NASCAR All-Star format
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Charlotte Motor Speedway | NASCAR
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Filed Under: NASCAR Cup Series Tagged With: All-Star All-Star Race Charlotte Charlotte Motor Speedway MENCS Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Monster Energy Open NASCAR NASCAR All-Star NASCAR Cup Series
Cover Photo: CHARLOTTE, NC - MAY 19: Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 Monster Energy Ford, pits during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 19, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images)
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