This weekend, NASCAR’s finest head to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Monster Energy All-Star Race. This is the race that combines the best drivers from the past year in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series for a million dollar date. In last year’s race, Joey Logano outlasted his teammate Brad Keselowski to win.
The All-Star Race is a four segment event with a grand total of 70 laps. The first 3 segments are 20 laps long. The winner of each of the first three will be locked into the final 10 cars, 10 lap stage, providing they stay on the lead lap. The rest of the final stage field will be determined by finishing average. The winner of the fourth and final stage takes home a million dollars.
This year, there is a curve ball thrown in the mix for the drivers. In an effort to give teams more strategy with a million bucks on the line, NASCAR and Goodyear will be bringing the “Option” tire for the first time. The tire will carry the Monster Energy green branding on the sidewall. Additionally, the compound gives a three- to five-tenths of a second advantage per lap, out of the box. But, the grip falls off more quickly than the standard compound.
Anyone that isn’t eligible for the million dollar All-Star Race can still get into the race. The Monster Energy Open will give 4 drivers the chance to race on into the All-Star Race. The race will consist of two twenty lap segments, which the winner of both will move on to the main event. From there, a ten lap shootout will give one last guaranteed spot to the winner. Also, the winner of the online fan vote will receive the fourth and final spot.
With such a wide open field for both races, here are my predictions to who will advance to and win the All-Star Race. Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, and Erik Jones will win their way in. Danica Patrick will get in via the fan vote. But, Kevin Harvick will win himself a million dollars when the night is over.