All-Star week provides many opportunities for fans

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 17, 2010) – The anticipation is building in the Charlotte area as the 26th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race is set for Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway (SPEED, 7 p.m.) The star-studded event, which features NASCAR’s top drivers, once again will consist of four segments, concluding with a 10-lap shootout and a $1 million purse to the winner. There’s an added twist this year before the green flag drops for the final segment: once the field takes a lap behind the pace car, all cars must enter pit road for a four-tire stop. The order in which the cars exit off pit road is how they will line up for the final 10 laps, placing an even greater premium on the performance of the pit crews. In addition, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series takes to the track Friday night, with the running of the North Carolina Lottery 200 at 8 p.m. SPEED will televise the race live. A variety of fan-friendly activities during the week will help set the stage for one of sports’ most exciting all-star events. The Sixth Annual NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge gets the week started Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET at Time Warner Cable Arena (SPEED to televise on delayed basis beginning at 9 p.m.) This competition between the top 24 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pit crews features the “unsung heroes” of the sport. The event’s finishing order determines pit selection for either the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or that event’s “preliminary,” the Sprint Showdown. "NASCAR Rev’d Up,” a six-hour event highlighted by a concert and fan entertainment,is back for its second straight year. The event, free to the public, takes place Thursday, between 3rd and Mint Streets in uptown Charlotte from 4-10 p.m. “NASCAR Rev’d Up” is a major fan event and features a program filled with driver appearances, NASCAR show cars and interactive displays, culminated by the free concert. Alternative rock band Switchfoot and pop-soul band Parachute, along with a local Charlotte opening act, Paper Tongues, will provide the musical entertainment. The action-packed week concludes with the 2010 Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The inaugural class of Dale Earnhardt Sr., Bill France Jr., Bill France Sr., Junior Johnson and Richard Petty will be inducted Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Charlotte Convention Center Crown Ballroom (connected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame). Here’s a complete schedule of events for all-star week: Wednesday, 7 p.m.: Time Warner Cable Arena: NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge. For tickets go to www.pitcrewchallenge.com or call the Time Warner Cable Arena box office at (800) 495-2295. Thursday, 4-10 p.m.: “NASCAR Rev’d Up”: In uptown Charlotte, between 3rd and Mint Streets, free admission. This event will feature a concert and interactive fan entertainment. Friday, “NASCAR Day”: NASCAR Day is a charitable celebration of the NASCAR spirit that enables fans and partners to join together to make a difference in the lives of children. NASCAR Day encourages fans to make a $5 donation for a collectible lapel pin which in turn will support programs that help children live happier, healthier lives. Fans can also volunteer at a number of NASCAR Day service projects across the country. Since it began in 2004, NASCAR Day has raised nearly $8 million for charity. For more information visit www.NASCAR.COM/NASCAR Day. Friday, 5 p.m.: Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Qualifying: Fortickets call (800) 455-FANS or www.charlottemotorspeedway.com) – SPEED to televise. Friday, 8 p.m.: Charlotte Motor Speedway – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200: For tickets call (800) 455-FANS or www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise. Saturday, 7 p.m.: Charlotte Motor Speedway – Sprint Showdown: The top two finishers qualify for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. In addition, the 2010 Sprint Fan Vote winner will earn a spot in the prestigious All-Star field. For tickets call (800) 455-FANS or www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise. Fans with race tickets will be able to attend a free CREED pre-race concert. The popular burnout contest also will take place beginning at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 p.m.: 26th running of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. For tickets call (800) 455-FANS or www.charlottemotorspeedway.com – SPEED to televise. Sunday, 1 p.m.:, Inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Thiswill be held in the Charlotte Convention Center Crown Ballroom (connected to the NASCAR Hall of Fame.) Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000. SPEED will televise, beginning with coverage of the “Red Carpet” at noon.