NASCAR revealed the format and some changes to the race cars for its 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race, scheduled for May 18 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“Throughout its history, the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race has provided a platform to try new and innovative ideas, some of which we have incorporated on a full-time basis,” NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell said. “Last year’s all-star rules package resulted in one of the most exciting all-star races in history. With a similar package, and added elements that we could see in the next generation race car, we expect another must-watch event.”
Changes to the exhibition race format are limited to an extension of the length of the final stage. The fourth stage, which was 10 laps in 2018, will be 15 laps for this years eventh, following a 30-lap stage and two 20-lap stages for a total distance of 85 laps or 127.5 miles.
Changes to the cars contending the race may be a preview of the seventh generation of Cup Series car, monikered Gen-7, expected to debut in 2021. The cars in this year's All-Star Race will be required to have single-piece, carbon fiber splitter pan that is expected in improve ride height sensitivity and make the cars more aerodynamically stable and a radiator duct that exit through the hood instead of engine compartment to increase parity between the cars and reduce engine temperatures.
“This will be the 35th running of the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race, and while it’s known for memorable moments, this race has established a place in history for testing what’s best for the future,” Speedway Motorsports Inc. President Marcus Smith said. “This is the proving ground. Fans can always look back and see that night racing, stage racing and double-file restarts started in the All-Star Race. And last year’s rules package produced the most three- and four-wide racing I’ve ever seen at Charlotte. This year may provide a peek into the crystal ball for the Gen-7 car, so once again, fans can expect the unexpected.”
As in recent years past, drivers who won Cup Series points-paying races last year and up to the point of the All-Star Race this year already be qualified for the All-Star Race, along with past series champions and All-Star Race winners who still compete in the Cup Series full-time. For everyone else, four All-Star Race slots will be up for grabs through the preliminary Monster Energy Open and an online fan vote.
Drivers already having All-Star Race entry secured include Aric Almirola, Ryan Blaney, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Erik Jones, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Ryan Newman and Martin Truex Jr.
The Monster Energy Open will be a 50-lap race, divided into two 20-lap stages and a 10-lap stage. Winners of each stage and the race winner will advance to the All-Star Race, as will the driver with the most fan votes among those who remain. The four late entrants into the All-Star Race will start in the final four positions.
The Monster Energy Open is scheduled to take the green flag at appeoximately 6 p.m. ET on May 18, with the All-Star Race to follow at 8 p.m.
