For those of you not familiar with all the subtle nuances of NASCAR, the Shootout marks the official start of the 2009 season. It’s a non-point event that takes place at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.
This year’s race features a new sponsor as InBev is out and Molson Coors is in. With this change also comes a few changes in the format…
*In previous years, the drivers for this event were ones that won the pole position at time trials of all races not cancelled due to the weather. Now, the top manufacturers; Dodge, Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet, will place the top six teams of their brand based on the final points of the previous season. Additionally, each brand would also be awarded a ‘wild-card’ to be used primarily for past champions but can fall to the next highest point total in no champion is available.
*Total laps have increased from 70 to 75, 25 in the first leg and 50 to close it off.
*There will be a 10 minute intermission after the first leg so teams can change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments
07 Casey Mears, Richard Childress Racing
14 Tony Stewart, Stewart-Haas Racing
24 Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports
29 Kevin Harvick, Richard Childress Racing
31 Jeff Burton, Richard Childress Racing
48 Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports
88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Hendrick Motorsports
2 Kurt Busch, Penske Racing
7 Robby Gordon, Robby Gordon Motorsports
9 Kasey Kahne, Petty Motorsports
12 David Stremme, Penske Racing
19 Elliott Sadler, Petty Motorsports
43 Reed Sorenson, Petty Motorsports
77 Sam Hornish, Jr., Penske Racing
6 David Ragan, Roush Fenway Racing
16 Greg Biffle, Roush Fenway Racing
17 Matt Kenseth, Roush Fenway Racing
96 Bobby Labonte, Hall of Fame Racing
98 Paul Menard, Yates Racing
99 Carl Edwards, Roush Fenway Racing
00 David Reutimann, Michael Waltrip Racing
11 Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing
18 Kyle Busch, Joe Gibbs Racing
20 Joey Logano, Joe Gibbs Racing
55 Michael Waltrip, Michael Waltrip Racing
82 Scott Speed, Team Red Bull
83 Brian Vickers, Team Red Bull
**This event will be held on Saturday, February 7th, beginning at 8 p.m. on FOX.
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