Added excitement expected in new format for Super Late Models and Late Models
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 10, 2011) – A change to the format of this year’s NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will add a new twist for drivers in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model divisions and is expected to bring even more excitement for fans and competitors.
The postseason event, set for Jan. 28-29 at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.), will feature heat races for both divisions to determine the starting lineup for the each feature race.
Both the Late Models and Super Late Models will have two-lap qualifying runs for each car to lock in the first 15 spots. All cars will then participate in two heat races per division – the Super Late Models on Friday and Late Models on Saturday – to determine the remaining qualifiers and set the starting lineup. Cars will start the features based on their heat race finishes, similar to the Daytona 500 qualifying.
Friday’s schedule includes qualifying for the Super Late Models at 2:30 p.m., with qualifying for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series to follow at 3:30 p.m. Heat races for the Super Late Models will follow, with qualifying for the Late Models is set for 5:45 p.m. The 75-lap Super Late Model race is slated to roll off at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, with the green flag for the 50-lap NASCAR K&N Pro Series Open set for 8:30 p.m.
Saturday’s schedule features a special Fan Walk from 12:05 to 3 p.m. This event will provide fans an opportunity to meet drivers and get an up-close look at the cars and equipment.
Competition gets underway on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., with heat races for the Late Models. The 50-lap race for the Late Model division is set to go green at 7:15 p.m. The green flag for the prestigious 225-lap NASCAR K&N Pro Series all-star race set to wave at 8:30 p.m.
All three races will air live as part of the two-day SPEED broadcast, which begins at 10 p.m. ET. The coverage will be anchored by Rick Allen and Phil Parsons in the booth, with Dick Berggren and Jim Tretow covering action in the pits.