Race fans looking for a glimpse into the future need look no further than this year's Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. As demonstrated throughout its illustrious history, NASCAR's annual all-star spectacular will again provide the platform for the world's greatest stock car drivers to compete for $1 million dollars, while race teams will get a real-world experience with technical components that could be implemented in the next generation car.
The next step in the all-star evolution was unveiled on Wednesday.
NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway announced the format and technical specifications for the 2019 edition, a race that will feature some tried and true measures, as well as a potential glimpse into the Gen-7 future.
"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," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. "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."
"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," said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc. "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."
The race will again have four stages, with a five lap increase in the final stage compared to last year's race. The stages will last 30 laps, 20 laps, 20 laps and 15 laps. Both green flag and yellow flag laps will count in Stages 1-3; with only green flag laps counting in the Final Stage. NASCAR Overtime rules will be in effect for Stages 1-3. In the final stage, if the race is restarted with two or less laps remaining, there will be unlimited attempts at a green, white, checkered finish under green flag conditions.
For the 2019 edition, the race cars will feature two keys technical elements that NASCAR may incorporate into the Gen-7 car slated to debut in 2021.
The first is a single-piece carbon fiber splitter/pan that should offer dramatic improvements in ride height sensitivity for the drivers. This technical component will provide a more stable aero platform and create more consistent performance in traffic. Also, the car will be configured with a radiator duct which exits through the hood as opposed to the current design which exits into the engine compartment. This feature will create improved aerodynamic parity and, at the same time, reduce engine temperatures.
The Monster Energy Open will occur Saturday evening prior to the Monster Energy All-Star Race and will include three segments (20 laps / 20 laps / 10 laps). The winner of each segment will earn a spot in the All-Star Race.
Those eligible for the Monster Energy All-Star Race include: drivers who won a points event in either 2018 or 2019; drivers who won a Monster Energy All-Star Race and compete full-time; and drivers who won a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship and compete full-time. Those who have not already earned a spot via the above criteria can still lock in by winning a stage in the Monster Energy Open or by winning the Fan Vote. Polls for the fan vote will open on April 17, on NASCAR.com.
Drivers who have already clinched an all-star spot: 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.
Coverage of the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race will begin on May 18 at 5 p.m. ET on FS1. The Monster Energy Open will air at 6 p.m. and the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race begins at 8 p.m on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Weekend passes for the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race start at just $79 per person and also include admission to the May 17 N.C. Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race, May 17 Monster Energy All-Star Race qualifying, May 18 AJR pre-race concert, May 18 Monster Energy Open and the May 18 Hairball post-race concert presented by Monster Energy. Kids ages 13 and under get in free to all activities on May 17 and for just $10 with adult ticket purchase on May 18.
Tickets, camping and race-day upgrades are available by calling 1-800-455-FANS or visiting www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets.
