Once again, NASCAR has made changes to its rules package for the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race, the sanctioning body announced Wednesday, April 17.
The exhibition will have some experimentation, with all cars having a single-piece carbon fiber splitter on the front of the car and a radiator duct in the hood. The goal is for the splitter to improve ride height sensitivity, while the duct will decrease engine temperatures and hopefully reduce aero push for the leading cars.
The format will largely stay the same as last year, with an increase in laps. Stage one will end on lap 30, stage two on lap 50 after 20 laps, stage three on lap 70 after another 20 laps, and the checkered flag will fly on lap 85 for stage four and the race after 15 green-flag laps.
Unlike normal points races, laps are not counted between stages.
Qualifying and Open formats will remain the same as last year.
There were no changes to the eligibility rules for drivers to enter. The race will be open to Cup race winners from 2019 and 2018, three stage winners in the Open before the race and a fan vote winner who races in the Open.
The race is set for May 18, with TV coverage on FOX Sports 1.
Michael has watched NASCAR for 20 years and regularly covered the sport from 2013-2021, and also formerly covered the SRX series from 2021-2023. He now covers the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and road course events in the NASCAR Cup Series.