The final qualifiers for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race will be decided Friday night when the NASCAR Sprint Showdown gets underway at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Sprint Showdown is a single race of 40 laps broken up into two segments, with the winner of each segment qualifying for the All-Star Race on Saturday. It all begins with a practice at 12 p.m. ET, two rounds of qualifying beginning at 4:15 p.m. and the race itself at 7:15 p.m.
There are several ways to qualify for the Sprint All-Star Race. Drivers who have won races in the current or preceding year automatically qualify, as do any previous Sprint Cup champions. Winning any previous All-Star Race also makes a driver eligible for all future races. The last three spots will be settled on Friday, with the first going to the winner of the first 20 laps of the Sprint Showdown, the second going to the winner of the second 20 laps and the third going to a drive who is voted in by the fans.
After 20 laps, the winner of that segment will leave the race, while the remainder of the pack will stay out for another 20 laps. There will be a yellow flag after the first stint in which cars allowed to pit to change tires, add fuel and other maintenance, but they will not retain their position on the race track. All laps are counted during the first segment, while only green flag laps count during the second segment.
The race is set for 7:15 p.m. on FOX Sports 1. As is usually the case with FOX Sports, you'll be able to stream the race via FOX Sports Go if you have a participating provider. Practice and qualifying will also both be available on FOX Sports Go.
NASCAR Sprint Showdown coverage
Qualifying: 4:15 p.m
Race: 7:15 p.m.
TV: FOX Sports 1
Online: FOX Sports Go