In an attempt to enhance one of its marquee events — and with an eye toward the future — NASCAR will use an aerodynamic rules package for its All-Star Race next month at Charlotte Motor Speedway that includes restrictor-plates normally reserved for races at its biggest tracks.
NASCAR unveils All-Star Race rules package that includes restrictor plates
The rules package is designed to enhance the competition in a race that has recently lacked sizzle.
The mystic of the All-Star Race has faded in recent years as an event touted as “anything goes” has instead often been a staid affair where the action on the track doesn’t match the hype off it. By requiring teams to install the horsepower-sapping restrictor-plates on its engines, NASCAR is hoping slower speeds will allow for drivers to better race side-by-side and increase passing.
The rules package will also include other modifications to the cars, mirroring what the Xfinity Series used to great acclaim last year at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. If the a rules package proves successful and enhances the competition in the May 19 non-points All-Star Race, it may be something used on other tracks during the regular season and playoffs beginning in 2019, said NASCAR executive vice president of competition and chief racing development officer Steve O’Donnell.
Restrictor plates are currently only used at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.
”The yearly Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race is an opportunity to see your favorite drivers compete under a unique and exciting format and rules package,” O’Donnell said. “The positive feedback following last year’s Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis gave us the foundation to implement this dynamic package for the All-Star Race.
”We believe the hard work of the entire industry will provide the best race for our passionate fans.”
The winner of the annual All-Star Race will receive $1 million. The format calls for four stages consisting of 30 laps, 20 laps, 20 laps, and 10 laps. Drivers are not require to make a mandatory pit stop, and only green-flag laps will count in the final stage.
Sixteen active drivers have earned All-Star Race eligibility by either having won a race in 2017 or 2018, being a former All-Star Race winner or Cup Series champion. Three additional spots will go to the drivers who win the stages in the last-chance qualifying race, with another spot being awarded to the driver who receives the most votes in a fan vote.
Drivers assured a starting spot in the 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, Ryan Newman, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Martin Truex Jr.
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