It's time for new beginnings and NASCAR is kicking off the 2013 season with an all new Gen 6 car, and the infamous non points race, which is now called the "Sprint Unlimited!" A lot of changes have been made, the unpredictability of it all adds to the excitement of what is to come.
First, the line-up was chosen by the one who won a pole last season. Interestingly enough, that means the 2012 Champion Brad Keselowski, and second place finisher Clint Bowyer will not be in the race this year. Although AJ Allmendinger did win a pole last season, is eligible, and is presumed to race the No. 51 Chevy SS for Phoenix Racing this season, he is not expected be in the event (at the time this post went to print). Former event winner, Ken Schrader is scheduled to race, but Terry LeBonte and Bill Elliott, whom are eligible are not entered (as of yet).
There are 19 drivers on the roster for Saturday night's race (February 16th), it will air live on FOX at 8 PM eastern standard time. Keselowski will be in the "Hollywood Hotel" live with the news reporters to comment on the turn of events.
The second change, fans got to vote for the format of the race. Voting concluded on Wednesday February 13, 2013 and the result for the segment split is:
First segment: 30 laps
Second segment: 25 laps
Third segment: 20 laps
Fans have until the drop of the green flag to vote on the type of pit stop:
Pit Stops - should drivers pit after the first segment?
a. No Pit stops b. Yes, 2 tires or c. Yes, 4 tires
Finally, fans have until the start of the second segment to vote whether or not drivers will be eliminated for the final segment of the race.
Elimination - should any car be eliminated for the final segment of the race?
a. None b. 2 cars c. 4 cars d. 6 cars
The third change, fans who attend the race in Daytona will get to vote for the starting line up of the race. The three choices they get to pick from are as follows:
A. Line up of career wins
B. By the 2012 season driver standings
C. On the date of pole win
This weeks pre-race report, I've decided to highlight the drivers whom are facing new beginnings this season.
Aric Almirola will be racing in the shoot-out for the first time in his career. He won the pole for the Coca-Cola 600 last spring, and finished that race in 16th position.
Almirola has been making progress in stock-car racing with Richard Petty Motorsports, he is looking forward to his second full-time season in the No. 43 Ford.
Kurt Busch is starting his first full-time season in the No. 78 Furniture Row Chevy SS. Last season was a wild roller-coaster ride, he finished the season 25th in points.. In 10 starts in the Shoot-out, Busch has started on the pole twice, and has one win from 2011. He finished in the top ten three other times. Now in a car that is built at Hendrick Motorsports, Busch has the equipment to succeed once again.
Matt Kenseth surprised NASCAR Nation last July when he announced he was leaving Roush-Fenway Racing. After sitting in the No. 17 Ford for 12 seasons, many fans felt deceived to see their driver leave for Joe Gibbs - to race a Toyota none-the-less. That didn't stop the Champion from winning poles, and races. One win was the Daytona 500, another milestone was Martinsville in October. Believe it or not, Kenseth only has six career starts in the shoot-out. His first was in 2003, and finished in 3rd. Last year, he finished 21st. In testing his new ride in Charlotte and Daytona, Kenseth looked like he fit right in with his teammates Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin.
Joey Logano won his fifth career pole last spring at Pocono, he went on to win that race. It marked his second career victory in the Cup series. At 22 years of age, the Connecticut native starts his fourth season in Cup in a new car, No. 22 Ford. New team Penske, and with a new sponsor, Shell/Pennzoi. Logano finished 17th in 2012, and is now comfortable in his new home at Penske.
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