Stars in Charlotte

What will be the news from the 24th annual NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race with drivers battling it out for the winners share of over $1-million?
Seventeen drivers are automatically entered due to wins in 2007 or 2008, while four are past champions - Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Mark Martin - or of the series - Bobby Labonte and Dale Jarrett - within the last 10 years.

Two will get in via the NASCAR Sprint Showdown, a 40-lap preliminary race for series competitors and one will get in via fan votes like - Ken Schrader (2004), Martin Truex Jr. (2005), Kyle Petty (2006) or Kenny Wallace last season.

Ironically the only driver to win after racing the qualifier was Michael Waltrip back in 1996 when he drove for the Wood Brothers.
This year’s preliminary race could be even more interesting as Sam Hornish, Jr., and Dario Franchitti are expected to drive, but that is not what has made the All-Star race so excting.

The lore of the event could have started with Dale Earnhardt’s “Pass in the Grass” of Bill Elliott in 1987, Davey Allison celebrating his 1992 win on his way to the hospital after a crash as he passed Kyle Petty for the win, or how about Dale Earnhardt, Jr., winning in 2000 to become the first rookie to ever win.

While the Rocket, Ryan \\Newman is looking to defend his title at the end of four 25-lap segements, Kyle Busch could be the favorite.

Busch who is the youngest driver in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history to win a race with his 2005 finish at Auto Club Speedway is now the youngest driver to ever win at Darlinigton and  if he takes the checkered flag at Saturday’s Sprint All-Star event would make him the youngest at this event,  eclipsing the mark held by Jeff Gordon as the youngest by nine months and three days.
But don’t forget about Dale Jarrett, who will be making his final career start.