By Kimberly Hyde,
NASCAR Performance
The days leading up to this month’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race are action-packed with a variety of fan-friendly activities sure to set the stage for one of sports’ most exciting events of the season.
The 2010 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race is set for Saturday, May 22, but there will be plenty of action around the Charlotte, N.C., area prior to Saturday night’s grand finale.
The sixth annual NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman gets the week started Wednesday, May 19 at the Time Warner Cable Arena. NASCAR Performance Live (MRN/SIRIUS) will broadcast the action 7-8 p.m. ET and SPEED will televise the entire event on a delayed basis beginning at 9 p.m. ET. This fierce competition between the top 24 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pit crews features the “unsung heroes” of the sport vying for bragging rights. The event’s finishing order determines pit selection for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
“NASCAR Rev’d Up,” a six-hour fan event, is back for a second straight year. The free event is Thursday, May 20 in uptown Charlotte and will feature driver appearances, showcars and interactive displays. Rockers Switchfoot and pop-soul band Parachute will headline a free concert that evening.
While at “NASCAR Rev’d Up,” make sure to check out the 10th annual MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder Showdown. Don’t miss the exciting head-to-head action between the top engine builders in NASCAR to see who can build, fire up and run their 354-cubic inch Ford racing engine the quickest.
Don’t forget to show your charitable support for NASCAR Day on Friday, May 21. Get your special lapel pin – $5 NASCAR Day pins are available by visiting www.nascar.com/nascarday.
On-track action at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) kicks off Friday, May 21 with NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Qualifying followed by the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series N.C. Lottery 200 at 8 p.m. ET. Saturday, May 22 includes a pre-race concert by Creed and culminates with the 26th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at 8:30 p.m. ET. The annual all-star event features an exciting, fan-friendly format featuring a 10-lap shootout reminiscent of the sports’ short-track roots.
Finally, you can be one of the first fans to celebrate the history and heritage of NASCAR with a trip to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Doors open May 11. For tickets, visit www.nascarhall.com or call (704) 654-4400.
Here is your complete guide to NASCAR Sprint All-Star Week 2010:
• NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman – May 19, 7 p.m., Time Warner Cable Arena. For tickets, go to www.pitcrewchallenge.com or call (800) 495-2295.
• “NASCAR Rev’d Up”/MAHLE Clevite Engine Builder Showdown – May 20, 4-10 p.m., uptown Charlotte (free admission)
• NASCAR Day – May 21. Wear your lapel pin and make a difference in the lives of children. www.nascar.com/nascarday.
• NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Qualifying – May 21, 5 p.m., CMS
• NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NC Lottery 200 – May 21, 8 p.m., CMS
• Burnout Competition – May 22, 6:15 p.m., CMS
• Creed Concert – May 22, pre-race, CMS
• Sprint Showdown – May 22, 7 p.m., CMS (top-two finishers qualify for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race)
• NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race – May 22, 8:30 p.m., CMS
• NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – May 23, 1 p.m., uptown Charlotte.
For race event tickets call 1-800-455-FANS or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. If you can’t be there in person, tune in to SPEED for televised coverage.
