Have you been wondering what to do this weekend while you’re in the Charlotte area for the 26th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race that’s happening on Saturday (SPEED, 7 p.m.)?
This year in the All-Star race, a yet another new twist has been added to the event! Of course it’s going to be four segments, concluding with a 10-lap shootout and a $1 million purse to the winner. But now when the green flag drops for the final segment: once the field takes a lap behind the pace car, all cars must enter pit road for a four-tire stop. The order in which the cars exit off pit road is how they will line up for the final 10 laps, placing an even greater premium on the performance of the pit crews.
You’ve probably already caught the 6th Annual NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge at Time Warner Cable Arena. This year, the event’s finishing order determined pit selection for either the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or that event’s “preliminary,” the Sprint Showdown.
Then there’s the “NASCAR Rev’d Up,” six-hour event highlighted by a concert and fan entertainment’ The event is free and happens between 3rd and Mint Streets in uptown Charlotte. There will be a collection of NASCAR show cars and interactive displays.
Of course the entire weekend is capped off by the 2010 Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony where we’ll be seeing the inaugural class of Dale Earnhardt, Bill France Jr., Bill France Sr., Junior Johnson and Richard Petty get inducted Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Charlotte Convention Center Crown Ballroom (connected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame).
Here’s a list of events, if ya need a print out!:
· Friday, “NASCAR Day”: NASCAR Day is a charitable celebration of the NASCAR spirit that enables fans and partners to join together to make a difference in the lives of children. NASCAR Day encourages fans to make a $5 donation for a collectible lapel pin which in turn will support programs that help children live happier, healthier lives. Fans can also volunteer at a number of NASCAR Day service projects across the country. Since it began in 2004, NASCAR Day has raised nearly $8 million for charity. For more information visit www.NASCAR.COM/NASCAR Day.
· Friday, 5 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Qualifying: Fortickets call (800) 455-FANS or www.charlottemotorspeedway.com) – SPEED to televise.
· Friday, 8 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200: For tickets call (800) 455-FANS or www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise.
· Saturday, 7 p.m., Charlotte Motor Speedway – Sprint Showdown: The top two finishers qualify for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. In addition, the 2010 Sprint Fan Vote winner will earn a spot in the prestigious All-Star field. For tickets call (800) 455-FANS or www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise. Fans with race tickets will be able to attend a free CREED pre-race concert. The popular Pennzoil Ultra Victory Challenge burnout contest will also take place beginning at 6:20 p.m.
· Saturday, 8:30 p.m., 26th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. For tickets call (800) 455-FANS or www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise.
· Sunday, 1 p.m., Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Thiswill be held in the Charlotte Convention Center Crown Ballroom (connected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.) Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. SPEED will televise, beginning with coverage of the “Red Carpet” at noon.
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Have fun gang… and if any Bits & Pieces readers have pictures to share, let me know at NASCAR.Bits.and.Pieces AT gmail DOT com!
