Charlotte Motor Speedway will kick off the 10 greatest days in racing with a full slate of activities for race fans, including a performance by one of country music’s biggest stars, the unveiling of the track’s new and improved Fan Zone and a burnout contest featuring some of NASCAR’s best.
The NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race weekend gets under way Friday with the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race qualifying and the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.
A schedule of weekend activities follows. All times are approximate.
Friday, May 18
3 p.m.: Spectator gates open: Fans can get an early start to their race weekend in the 10-acre Fan Zone, located near the speedway’s main entrance. Featuring games and activities, NASCAR merchandise haulers and corporate display booths, the Fan Zone offers something for every race fan to enjoy, including the POWERADE Play Zone, with carnival rides, face painting, a petting zoo and bounce houses.
4 p.m.-7 p.m.: Qualifying: The starting fields will be set as drivers from the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series qualify for their respective races. The trucks will start things off at 4 p.m., followed by Cup Series Sprint Showdown qualifying at 5 p.m. and All-Star Race qualifying at 6 p.m.
8 p.m.: North Carolina Education Lottery 200: The drivers of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will battle on the 1.5-mile superspeedway in the first race of the weekend. The 134-lap face-off promises plenty of excitement all the way to the checkered flag.
Saturday, May 19
2 p.m.: Spectator gates open: Fans eager to get their All-Star Saturday started early will want to arrive early to be sure not to miss any of the pre-race festivities taking place both inside and outside the track.
3:15-4:25 p.m.: Blake Shelton concert, presented by Target: Three-time GRAMMY nominee, CMA’s reigning Male Vocalist of the Year and a coach on NBC’s “The Voice,” Blake Shelton will perform a 70-minute pre-race concert in the infield between Turns 1 and 2. Admission to the show is free with the purchase of a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
6:20-6:45 p.m.: Pennzoil Victory Burnout Challenge: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers AJ Allmendinger, Clint Bowyer, Kasey Kahne, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano will leave the frontstretch in a cloud of smoke as they compete for top honors during the Pennzoil Victory Burnout Challenge.
7:30 p.m.: Sprint Showdown: As the sun sets over Charlotte Motor Speedway, so too will the chances of many drivers fighting for one of the final two spots in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The Sprint Showdown is 40 laps of go-or-go-home racing when drivers leave it all on the line for a shot at the night’s ultimate prize.
9 p.m.: NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race: Twenty-three of NASCAR’s best drivers will take to the track for a 90-lap shootout. The new format emphasizes winning during first four 20-lap segments, so competition is sure to be at its best every lap. With $1 million to the winner and no points on the line, the All-Star race always promises some of the most action-packed racing of the year.
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