Name and format changes in store for May's all-star race weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway
By DAVID POOLE - The Charlotte Observer
NASCAR’s annual all-star race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway will have a slightly different name and a slightly altered format this May.
The new name for the May 17 event is the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race - it was the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge in 2007. The race will once again be held in four segments, but in 2008 each segment will run 25 laps instead of 20.
Officially, this year’s race will be the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race XXIV, with Roman numerals added Super Bowl-style to the title.
As Lowe’s Motor Speedway celebrates its 50th season in 2009, it also will mark the 25th running of the all-star event.
All but one has been at the Charlotte track. The second all-star race in 1986 was held at Atlanta.
The preliminary race previously called the Nextel Open, in which those not qualified for the all-star race can earn their way in, will be renamed the Sprint Showdown.
Also, the Pit Crew Challenge held at Bobcats Arena during all-star week in Charlotte will move from Wednesday to Thursday night in 2008. The pit crew competition is scheduled for May 15.
