For the next two weeks, NASCAR will be parked (get it?) at Charlotte for a pair of big weekends. Next week, the 2012 Sprint Cup Series will continue in earnest, but on Saturday, the 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race will take place.
The All-Star Race, much like most other sports' All-Star games, has no bearing on the leaderboard standings, but the bragging rights for winning the competition are very real -- as is the $1 million check that goes to the victorious driver.
The All-Star Race is possibly the biggest event of the year for pomp, circumstance and literal fireworks. Both Washington drivers made it into the All-Star Race. Greg Biffle will start in the No. 4 Position and Kasey Kahne will be slotted in at No. 20 in the starting lineup.
The All-Star Race has a preliminary race. The Sprint Showdown is a 40-lap race to determine two of the last three entrants into the main event. The Showdown begins at approximately 4:30 p.m. PT and the All-Star Race green flag will be at 6:12 p.m. PT. The race will air on the SPEED Network and you can listen on the Performance Racing Network's Web site. You can also check PRN's site for a list of affiliate stations in your area.
Here's the starting lineup for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race:
- Kyle Busch
- Ryan Newman
- Denny Hamlin
- Greg Biffle
- Kevin Harvick
- Jimmie Johnson
- Paul Menard
- Jeff Gordon
- Tony Stewart
- Regan Smith
- Trevor Bayne
- Clint Bowyer
- Carl Edwards
- David Ragan
- Matt Kenseth
- Mark Martin
- Kurt Busch
- Marcos Ambrose
- Brad Keselowski
- Kasey Kahne
- Sprint Showdown winner
- Sprint Showdown runner-up
- Sprint Fan Vote winner
And here is the starting lineup for the Sprint Showdown:
- AJ Allmendinger
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- Jeff Burton
- Aric Almirola
- Landon Cassill
- Juan Pablo Montoya
- Bobby Labonte
- Travis Kvapil
- David Stremme
- Casey Mears
- David Reutimann
- Joey Logano
- Stephen Leicht
- Scott Speed
- David Gilliland
- Mike Bliss
- JJ Yeley
- Jamie McMurray
- Joe Nemechek
- Josh Wise
- Tony Raines
For all news and information regarding the 2012 Sprint Cup Series, please visit NASCAR Ranting & Raving or check out SB Nation's dedicated NASCAR hub.
