Fast Facts: 2018 Monster Energy All-Star Race FAQs

credit: NASCAR Media

by Paula Thompson

From the name to the format, the Cup Series all-star race has seen many changes over the years. Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions – “FAQs” – for this season’s sure-to-be-memorable non-points event at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 19.

• Who’s eligible? – drivers who have won a points event in 2017 or 2018; full-time drivers who have previously won an All-Star Race; full-time drivers who have won a Cup Series championship. Additionally, three drivers will be added as a result of winning a stage in the Monster Energy Open (before the All-Star Race), and one driver will be added through the Fan Vote.
• What’s the format? – this year’s format for the Open is three stages, 20 laps-20 laps-10 laps; for the All-Star Race: four stages, 30 laps-20 laps-20 laps-10 laps (10 laps longer than 2017). NASCAR Overtime procedures will be in effect (stages will not end under yellow), and there are no mandatory pit stops. Only green-flag laps will be counted in Stage 4 of the All-Star Race.
• What’s the qualifying format? – drivers take three laps with a mandatory four-tire pit stop – no pit-road speeding penalties.
• Who’s performing at the pre-race concert? – country star Cole Swindell; show begins at 4 p.m. ET. In addition, team owner Joe Gibbs will give the invocation, and Monster Energy girl Erica Nagashima will perform the National Anthem.

Find out more at the 2018 Monster Energy All-Star Race at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. For a full weekend schedule, check out Travel Tips.