are entered:


) #07-Dave Blaney (38th/2004)
) #0-Mike Bliss (48th/2004)
) #31-Jeff Burton (18th/2004)
) #5-Kyle Busch (18th in 2005 points on 3/14/2005)
) #60-Derrike Cope (part-time Cup ride, 40th/2004)
) #7-Robby Gordon (23rd/2004)
) #43-Jeff Green (30th/2004)
) #32-Bobby Hamilton Jr. (39th/2004)
) #77-Travis Kvapil (25th/2005)
) #11-Jason Leffler (36th/2005)
) #37-Kevin Lepage (43rd/2004)
) #40-Sterling Marlin (21st/2004)
) #92-Eric McClure (no active Cup ride, 44th/2005)
) #42-Jamie McMurray (11th/2004)
) #41-Casey Mears (22nd/2004)
) #45-Kyle Petty (33rd/2004)
) #10-Scott Riggs (29th/2004)
) #21-Ricky Rudd (24th/2004)
) #36-Boris Said (part time, 42nd/2005)
) #66-Hermie Sadler (44th/2004)
) #49-Ken Schrader (31st/2004)
) #27-Kirk Shelmerdine (part time, 47th/2004)
) #89-Morgan Shepherd (part time, 42nd/2004)
) #50-Jimmy Spencer (part time, 35th/2005)
) #1-Martin Truex Jr. (part time, 46th/2005)
) #25-Brian Vickers (25th/2004)
) #4-Mike Wallace (46th/2004)
) #22-Scott Wimmer (27th/2004)

eligible, but not entered in the race [see entry list below]

) #14-John Andretti (part time, 45th in 2004 points)
) Todd Bodine (no active Cup ride, 41st/2004)
) Ward Burton (no active Cup ride, 32nd/2004)
) Ricky Craven (no active Cup ride, 34th/2004)
) #91-Bill Elliott (part-time, 48th/2004) - will not run the event
) Brendan Gaughan (no active Cup ride, 28th/2004)
) Randy LaJoie (no active Cup ride, 41st/2005)
) #09-Johnny Sauter (part time, 36th/2004)
) #23-Mike Skinner (part time, 43rd/2005)
) #00-Kenny Wallace (part time, 50th/2004)

RACE INFO
RESULTS
the Nextel Open and Nextel All-Star Challenge

• Top-10 results of the fan vote for the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge: 1) Martin Truex Jr. (competed in the All-Star Race)
  2) Jamie McMurray
  3) Jason Leffler
  4) Ken Schrader
  5) Ricky Rudd
  6) Kyle Petty
  7) Jeff Burton
  8) Kenny Wallace
  9) Dave Blaney
  10) Kyle Busch
  No totals and just the top 10.(6-2-2005)
  
  
• TV Ratings for All-Star Race: The 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge earned a 4.3 rating on FX, up 19% over the 3.6 rating for the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. The number of households (HH) increased 24% to 3,691,000 as number of viewers increased 14% to 5,484,000. The event was the highest-rated NASCAR all-star event ever.(NASCAR)(5-26-2005)
  
  
• Fan Voting for Challenge: #1-Martin Truex Jr. won the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge fan vote to secure a position in the field. Truex led the voting as a record 438,931 votes were cast for drivers.(NASCAR) AND NO I have not seen nore found the vote tally, who was 2nd or the rundown.(5-26-2005)
  
  
  
  
  
  
• New Artwork by Garry Hill: "NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge 2004" - Matt Kenseth In The Roush Racing Ford Battles Past A Sliding Ryan Newman For The Lead On His Way To Victory In The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Race At Lowe’s Motor Speedway May 22, 2004. Garry Hill is pleased to present the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge 2004. The artwork captures the defining moment of the event as Matt Kenseth takes the lead from Ryan Newman. 500 prints and 50 artist’s proof prints have been produced each signed and numbered by NASCAR artist Garry Hill. Since 1987 Garry Hill has had the distinct honor and privilege of creating the artwork to commemorate the annual all-star race. More info at garryhill.com.(5-20-2005)
  
  
• Martin wins the Nextel All-Star Challenge: #6-Mark Martin, in his final Nextel Cup season, won the Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Martin also won segment 1 and was strong all night, leading 24 laps. It is the 2nd win in the All-Star race for Martin [also in 1998], Martin said if they field a car for him in 2006, he'd run it in the All-Star race. Martin is the oldest driver to ever win the event. Finishing 2nd was #38-Elliott Sadler, followed by #25-Brian Vickers [the Nextel Open winner], #24-Jeff Gordon and #48-Jimmie Johnson. Wrecks and problems left 11 drivers on the lead lap at the end, with three of them damaged. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. was never a factor and was involved in the 'Big One' when #20-Stewart got into #01-Nemechek, who turned into #29-Harvick. Some bad blood between Harvick and Nemechek boiled over, with Harvick firing his HANS at the windshield of Nemechek and words between the two a few times, Ten cars were involved in the wreck, with 7 retiring right after the wreck. #12-Newman got loose on the Segment 3 restart and slid backwards into the wall and collected his 'teammate' #2-Rusty Wallace, who had no place to go. See below for the Nextel Open results, Each segment results and starting lineup for each segment.
  See reults on my Nextel Open/Nextel All-Star Challenge Results page.(5-21-2005)
  
  
• Nemechek/Harvick altercation: in the garage after Joe Nemechek and Kevin Harvick came back from the infield care center at Lowe's Motor Speedway for the Nextel All-Star Challenge, Nemechek walked up to Harvick's wrecked car and started to apologize to Harvick's crew when Harvick walked up and they went nose-to-nose. Here's what was said:
  Nemechek: "Hey, I'm sorry about that dude."
  Harvick: "I'm starting to get tired of you wrecking me."
  Nemechek: "I didn't start the deal."
  Harvick: "You called me out at Daytona."
  Nemechek: "Hey, if you wanna go at it..let's have at it big boy."
  Harvick: "But you know what, you need to take your old washed up [butt] out of here...that's what you need to do."(from a source in the garage at LMS)(5-21-2005)
  
  
• The Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway:
  The UNOFFICIAL Top Ten (start pos in parens), lap leaders, cars out, cautions and some notes
  after 90 of 90 laps:
  
  car#, driver, starting spot, laps led
  
  #6-Mark Martin (2)(24 laps led)(WON Segment 1 and the RACE)
  #38-Elliott Sadler (4)(21 laps led)(2 tires lap 70 caution)
  #25-Brian Vickers (21 - Nextel Open Winner)
  #24-Jeff Gordon (14)
  #48-Jimmie Johnson (6)
  
  #88-Dale Jarrett (19)
  #97-Kurt Busch (8)
  #19-Jeremy Mayfield (15)(damaged)
  #18-Bobby Labonte (12)
  #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (20)(damaged)
  
  #17-Matt Kenseth (10)(damaged)
  #12-Ryan Newman (1)(45 laps led)(damaged) - OUT
  #2-Rusty Wallace (3)(WON Segment 2) - OUT
  #16-Greg Biffle (11)(lost tire - OUT)
  #99-Carl Edwards (7)(damaged) - OUT
  
  #9-Kasey Kahne (5) - OUT
  #20-Tony Stewart (17) - OUT
  #29-Kevin Harvick (18) - OUT
  #44-Terry Labonte (13) - OUT
  #15-Michael Waltrip (16) - OUT
  
  #01-Joe Nemechek (9) - OUT
  #1-Martin Truex Jr.(22 - Fan Vote Winner) - OUT
  
  
• Cars on the lead lap: 10 (of 22 starters)
  
  
• Off track/out of race (11):
  #20-Tony Stewart (accident-out)
  #29-Kevin Harvick (accident-out)
  #01-Joe Nemechek (accident-out)
  #15-Michael Waltrip (accident-out)
  #9-Kasey Kahne (accident-out)
  #44-Terry Labonte (accident-out)
  #1-Martin Truex Jr. (accident-out)
  #99-Carl Edwards (accident-out)
  #16-Greg Biffle (accident/tire-out)
  #2-Rusty Wallace (accident-out)
  #12-Ryan Newman (accident-out)
  
  
• Laps Leaders Unofficial (3 with 7 lead changes):
  #12-Newman (45);
  #38-Sadler (21);
  #6-Martin (24);
  
  
• Lap leaders: #12-Newman pole; #12-Newman 1-15; #38-Sadler 16-35; #6-Martin 36-38; #38-Sadler 39; #6-Martin 40; #12-Newman 41-70; #38-Sadler 71; #6-Martin 72-90;
  
  

  Cautions: 4 for 7 laps

  Caution 3 - Laps 71 - ? [these laps do not count in segment 3]: #12-Newman was passing #24-Gordon, got loose and spun, came up the track, #2-Wallace had no place to go and ran into Newman.
  Caution end of segment 1 - Lap 40:, the ping pong balls will determine on how many cars will be inverted, the number was 6. 10 minute break, teams can work on the cars, drivers can get out of the car.
  Caution 2 - Laps 36 - 38: Huge wreck, looks lile #20-Stewart got into #01-Nemechek who turned into #29-Harvick, who came down and collected #9-Kahne, #15-Waltrip, #44-Labonte, #8-Earnhardt Jr., #99-Edwards, #1-Truex Jr., #15-Waltrip. Red flag was thrown, teams can work on the cars under the red flag in the All-Star race. Stewart admitted he ran into Nemechek but that he didn't speed up. Harvicl threw his Hans at the windshield of Nemechek and they had a little pushing and shoving, a 1 finger salute and lots of words. Lots of damage to the #8-Earnhardt Jr. front end, the team is working on the car as is #99-Edwards team. The red flag lasted 16 minutes.
  Caution 1 - Laps 31 - 33: Debris in turn 4.
  
  
• RACE/PIT NOTES: (as noted heard on TV or Radio)
  ---- during the 3rd caution on lap 71, #24-Newman came in to pit to get 4 tires and a chassis adjustment, #18-Labonte, #8-Earnhardt Jr., also came in to pit.
  ---- during the mandatory lap 70 caution, all 13 cars on the lead lap made pit stops, 11 took 4 tires, #38-Sadler and #24-Gordon took 2 right side tires.
  ---- on lap 68, #16-Biffle lost a right front tire and tore some sheet metal off and took the car to the garage.
  ---- #99-Edwards, had a vibration on lap 52, changed tires and Edwards is back out, 2 laps down.
  ---- many teams came in to pit during the 1st caution.
  ---- #15-Waltrip is having radio problems, the team cannot talk to Waltrip.
  ---- half the field cames into pit on lap 14: #'s 8,48,16,01,20,9,8,44,18, the rest followed on lap 15, #19-Mayfield missed the commit line and had to stay on the track and go around.
  ---- To the BACK: [0]: none reported
  
  FINAL RESULTS - after Lap 90 of 90:
  #6-Mark Martin (2)(24 laps led)(WON Segment 1 and the RACE)
  #38-Elliott Sadler (4)(21 laps led)(2 tires lap 70 caution)
  #25-Brian Vickers (21 - Nextel Open Winner)
  #24-Jeff Gordon (14)
  #48-Jimmie Johnson (6)
  #88-Dale Jarrett (19)
  #97-Kurt Busch (8)
  #19-Jeremy Mayfield (15)(damaged)
  #18-Bobby Labonte (12)
  #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (20)(damaged)
  #17-Matt Kenseth (10)(damaged)
  #12-Ryan Newman (1)(45 laps led)(damaged) - OUT
  #2-Rusty Wallace (3)(WON Segment 2) - OUT
  #16-Greg Biffle (11)(lost tire - OUT)
  #99-Carl Edwards (7)(damaged) - OUT
  #9-Kasey Kahne (5) - OUT
  #20-Tony Stewart (17) - OUT
  #29-Kevin Harvick (18) - OUT
  #44-Terry Labonte (13) - OUT
  #15-Michael Waltrip (16) - OUT
  #01-Joe Nemechek (9) - OUT
  #1-Martin Truex Jr.(22 - Fan Vote Winner) - OUT
  
  SEGMENT 3 Starting Lineup - after Lap 70 of 90:
  (after pit stops - all 13 lead lap cars pitted)
  #38-Elliott Sadler (4)(20 laps led)(2 tires lap 70 caution)
  #24-Jeff Gordon (14)(2 tires lap 70 caution)
  #6-Mark Martin (2)(5 laps led)(WON Segment 1)
  #12-Ryan Newman (1)(45 laps led)
  #97-Kurt Busch (8)
  #2-Rusty Wallace (3)
  #48-Jimmie Johnson (6)
  #25-Brian Vickers (21 - Nextel Open Winner)
  #88-Dale Jarrett (19)
  #17-Matt Kenseth (10)(damaged)
  #18-Bobby Labonte (12)
  #19-Jeremy Mayfield (15)(damaged)
  #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (20)(damaged)
  
  SEGMENT 2 FINISH - after Lap 70 of 90:
  #12-Ryan Newman (1)(45 laps led)
  #38-Elliott Sadler (4)(20 laps led)
  #25-Brian Vickers (21 - Nextel Open Winner)
  #6-Mark Martin (2)(5 laps led)(WON Segment 1)
  #97-Kurt Busch (8)
  #2-Rusty Wallace (3)
  #48-Jimmie Johnson (6)
  #24-Jeff Gordon (14)
  #88-Dale Jarrett (19)
  #17-Matt Kenseth (10)(damaged)
  #18-Bobby Labonte (12)
  #19-Jeremy Mayfield (15)(damaged)
  #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (20)(damaged)
  #16-Greg Biffle (11)
  #99-Carl Edwards (7)(damaged) - OUT
  #9-Kasey Kahne (5) - OUT
  #20-Tony Stewart (17) - OUT
  #29-Kevin Harvick (18) - OUT
  #44-Terry Labonte (13) - OUT
  #15-Michael Waltrip (16) - OUT
  #01-Joe Nemechek (9) - OUT
  #1-Martin Truex Jr.(22 - Fan Vote Winner) - OUT
  
  SEGMENT 2 Starting Lineup - after Lap 40 of 90:
  (after inverting 6 cars)
  #25-Brian Vickers (21 - Nextel Open Winner)(finished Segment 1 - 6th)
  #12-Ryan Newman (1)(15 laps led)(finished Segment 1 - 5th)
  #97-Kurt Busch (8)(finished Segment 1 - 4th)
  #16-Greg Biffle (11)(finished Segment 1 - 3rd)
  #38-Elliott Sadler (4)(20 laps led)(finished Segment 1 - 2nd)
  #6-Mark Martin (2)(5 laps led)(finished Segment 1 - 1st)
  #48-Jimmie Johnson (6)
  #24-Jeff Gordon (14)
  #2-Rusty Wallace (3)
  #88-Dale Jarrett (19)
  #99-Carl Edwards (7)(damaged)
  #17-Matt Kenseth (10)(damaged)
  #18-Bobby Labonte (12)(damaged)
  #19-Jeremy Mayfield (15)
  #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (20)(damaged)
  #9-Kasey Kahne (5) - OUT
  #20-Tony Stewart (17) - OUT
  #29-Kevin Harvick (18) - OUT
  #44-Terry Labonte (13) - OUT
  #01-Joe Nemechek (9) - OUT
  #1-Martin Truex Jr.(22 - Fan Vote Winner) - OUT
  #15-Michael Waltrip (16) - OUT
  
  SEGMENT 1 FINISH - after Lap 40 of 90:
  #6-Mark Martin (2)(5 laps led), $75,000
  #38-Elliott Sadler (4)(20 laps led), $20,000
  #16-Greg Biffle (11), $10,000
  #97-Kurt Busch (8)
  #12-Ryan Newman (1)(15 laps led)
  #25-Brian Vickers (21 - Nextel Open Winner)
  #48-Jimmie Johnson (6)
  #24-Jeff Gordon (14)
  #2-Rusty Wallace (3)
  #88-Dale Jarrett (19)
  #99-Carl Edwards (7)(damaged)
  #17-Matt Kenseth (10)(damaged)
  #18-Bobby Labonte (12)(damaged)
  #19-Jeremy Mayfield (15)
  #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (20)(damaged)
  #9-Kasey Kahne (5) - OUT
  #20-Tony Stewart (17) - OUT
  #29-Kevin Harvick (18) - OUT
  #44-Terry Labonte (13) - OUT
  #01-Joe Nemechek (9) - OUT
  #1-Martin Truex Jr.(22 - Fan Vote Winner) - OUT
  #15-Michael Waltrip (16) - OUT
  
  

  THE NEXTEL OPEN

• #1-Martin Truex Jr. won the fan vote and will run in the Nextel All-Star Challenge.
  
  
• Vickers wins Nextel Open: #25-Brian Vickers won the Nextel Open at Lowe's Motor Speedway with a last lap bump of leader #0-Mike Bliss about 100 feet from the start-finish line. Pole sitters Mike Bliss had led the most lap with 16 before his 'mishap'. Vickers transfers into the Nextel All-Star Challenge. #77-Travis Kvapil was 3rd, followed by #5-Kyle Busch and #32-Bobby Hamilton Jr.
  See reults on my Nextel Open/Nextel All-Star Challenge Results page.(5-21-2005)
  
  
• The Nextel Open at Lowe's Motor Speedway:
  The UNOFFICIAL Top Ten (start pos in parens), lap leaders, cars out, cautions and some notes
  after 30 of 30 laps:
  
  car#, driver, starting spot, laps led
  
  #25-Brian Vickers (5)(1 laps led)
  #0-Mike Bliss (1)(16 laps led)
  #77-Travis Kvapil (4)(13 laps led)
  #5-Kyle Busch (2)
  #32-Bobby Hamilton Jr. (11)
  #41-Casey Mears (3)
  #7-Robby Gordon (12)
  #21-Ricky Rudd (9)
  #49-Ken Schrader (6)
  #1-Martin Truex Jr. (8)
  #31-Jeff Burton (16)
  #43-Jeff Green (14)
  #40-Sterling Marlin (13)
  #42-Jamie McMurray (17)
  #22-Scott Wimmer (15)
  #50-Jimmy Spencer (10)
  #07-Dave Blaney (19)
  #4-Mike Wallace (24)
  #37-Kevin Lepage (7)
  #66-Hermie Sadler (20)
  #60-Derrike Cope (21)
  #45-Kyle Petty (18)
  #36-Boris Said (22)
  #11-Jason Leffler (28)
  #27-Kirk Shelmerdine (25)
  #92-Eric McClure (23) - OUT
  #89-Morgan Shepherd (26) - OUT
  #10-Scott Riggs (27) - OUT
  
  
• Cars on the lead lap: 25 (of 28 starters)
  
  
• Off track/out of race (3):
  #10-Riggs (accident-out)
  #89-Shepherd (accident-out)
  #92-McCluire (?-out)
  
  
• Laps Leaders Unofficial (3 with 7 lead changes):
  #0-Bliss (16);
  #77-Kvapil (13);
  #25-Vickers (1);
  
  
• Lap leaders: #0-Bliss pole; #0-Bliss 1-4; #77-Kvapil 5-10; #0-Bliss 11-14; #77-Kvapil 15-20; #0-Bliss 21-24; #77-Kvapil 25; #0-Bliss 26-29; #25-Vickers 30
  
  

  Cautions: 2 for 5 laps

  Caution 3 - Lap 20; Mandatory caution
  Caution 2 - Laps 8 - 10: #89-Shepherd hit the wall in turn 4.
  Caution 1 - Laps 2 - 3: #10-Scott Riggs wacked the turn 4 wall.
  
  
• RACE/PIT NOTES: (as noted heard on TV or Radio)
  ---- coming to the start-finish line, #25-Vickers got into the rear of leader #0-Bliss, Bliss spun and Vickers beat Bliss to the line and Vickers won. Bliss wasn't too happy.
  ---- during the 2nd caution, many cars towards the back came into pit, including #5-Busch who was 7th at the time
  ---- #0-Bliss, the pole sitter, had the choice of starting on the outside and did.
  ---- The Lucky Dog pass was not used in the Open or All-Star Race.
  ---- To the BACK: [0]: none reported
  
  
• Newman wins pole for All-Star Race: #12-Ryan Newman won the pole for the Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway with a time of 122.443 seconds in his 3 laps and 4 tire pit stop. #6-Mark Martin will start 2nd, followed by #2-Rusty Wallace, #38-Elliott Sadler and #9-Kasey Kahne. #20-Tony Stewart came in too fast on his stop and slammed on the brakes and spun around. #15-Michael Waltrip bottomed out on his first lap, but saved it but will start 16th. Three drivers were penalized 20 seconds for speeding entering pit road: #88-Jarrett, #29-Harvick, #8-Earnhardt Jr. Three drivers were penalized 5 seconds for loose/missing lug nuts: #16-Biffle, #19-Mayfield, #24-Gordon. If Biffle didn't have the penalty, he would had won the pole with a 121.725 seconds. Newman's car is sporting the new Alltel logo. For qualifying times/starting lineup, see my Jayski's Nextel Open/All-Star Qualifying Results/Starting Lineup Page.(5-20-2005)
  
  
• Bliss wins pole for Nextel Open: #0-Mike Bliss won the pole for the Nextel Open with an unofficial track record of 189.208mph, #5-Kyle Busch is on the outside pole, followed by #41-Casey Mears, #77-Travis Kvapil and #25-Brian Vickers. Two drivers wrecked on their first lap, #11-Jason Leffler [his 2nd car of the day] and #10-Scott Riggs. Leffler will have to go to a backup car, Riggs team may be able to fix the car as just the nose was damaged. For qualifying times/starting lineup, see my Jayski's Nextel Open/All-Star Qualifying Results/Starting Lineup Page.(5-20-2005)
  
  
• Coverage of Qualifying for the for the Nextel Open and Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Friday, May 20, 2005 is scheduled to start at 6:10pm/et.
  TV: Speed Channel at 6:00pm/et.
  Radio: MRN Radio and XM Satellite NASCAR Radio
  Internet: NASCAR.com [Pit Command/Trackside - paid]
  Jayski: Jayski's Semi-Live Qualifying Page.
  Qualifying Re-Air: 12:00am/et on Speed
  
  
• Qualifying Order:
  NASCAR.com: Nextel Open
  NASCAR.com: Nextel All-Star Challenge
  
  
• Nextel Challenge practice is over at Lowe's Motor Speedway, the fastest:
  #12-Newman 187.091
  #19-Mayfield 186.916
  #2-Wallace 186.780
  #44-Labonte 186.780
  #16-Biffle 185.765
  slowest: #97-Busch 181.789 and #8-Earnhardt Jr. 182.033
  most laps run: #6-Martin, 51; #12-Newman, 38
  See speeds at: NASCAR.com.(5-20-2005)
  
  
• Nextel Open practice is over. There were two practices scheduled but rain push back the start of the first one, not sure if they will run a 2nd one. In the first one, the fastest:
  #5-Busch 188.567
  #25-Vickers 187.611
  #1-Truex Jr. 186.722
  #40-Marlin 186.516
  #31-Burton 186.213
  slowest: #89-Shepherd 171.151 and #60-Cope 174.390
  most laps run: #31-Burton 45; #36-Said, 34
  incidents: #11-Leffler wrecked in turn 2 and has to go to the backup car.
  Best average speed [all laps averaged]
  (from NASCAR.com's leaderboard service)
  #77-Kvapil, 183.899 [7th fastest lap], 25 laps run
  #5-Buch, 183.882 [1st], 31 laps
  #1-Truex Jr., 183.295 [3rd], 17 laps
  See speeds NASCAR.com.(5-20-2005)
  
  
• The Schedule:
  Friday, May 20th:
  10:45 a.m. NEXTEL Open and NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Qualifying Draw
  11:45 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. NNCS NEXTEL Open Practice
  12:35 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. NNCS NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Practice
  1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. NNCS NEXTEL Open Practice
  2:05 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. NNCS NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Pit Road Speed Practice SPEED Channel
  2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. NNCS NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Practice SPEED Channel
  6:05 p.m. NNCS Qualifying for NEXTEL Open (2 laps/all positions) SPEED Channel
  7:10 p.m. NNCS Qualifying for NEXTEL All- Star Challenge (3 laps with 4-tire pit stop) SPEED Channel
  
  Saturday, May 21st:
  3:00 p.m. The Black Crowes Concert – Infield between Turns 1 and 2
  5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. CRASHCar Racing – Frontstretch Quarter-Mile Oval
  7:00 p.m. Pre-Race Activities FX
  7:30 p.m. NNCS NEXTEL Open (20 laps/10 laps) FX
  9:00 p.m. NNCS NEXTEL All-Star Challenge (40 laps/30 laps/20 laps) FX
  
  
• Nextel All-Star Challenge Entry List:
  Car #, Driver, Sponsor/Manu, # times in Challenge [wins]
  1). #01-Joe Nemechek, U.S. Army Chevrolet, 5
  2). #2-Rusty Wallace, Miller Lite Dodge, 18 [won 1989]
  3). #6-Mark Martin, Viagra Ford, 15 [won 1998]
  4). #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., Budweiser Chevrolet, 5 [won 2000]
  5). #9-Kasey Kahne, Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge, 1
  6). #12-Ryan Newman, ALLTEL Dodge, 3 [won 2002]
  7). #15-Michael Waltrip, NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, 12 [won 1996]
  8). #16-Greg Biffle, National Guard Ford, 1
  9). #17-Matt Kenseth,DeWalt Power Tools Ford, 4 [won 2004]
  10). #18-Bobby Labonte, Interstate Batteries Chevrolet, 10
  11). #19-Jeremy Mayfield, Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge, 5
  12). #20-Tony Stewart, The Home Depot Chevrolet, 6
  13). #24-Jeff Gordon, DuPont Chevrolet, 11 [won 1995, 1997, 2001]
  14). #29-Kevin Harvick, GM Goodwrench Chevrolet, 4
  15). #38-Elliott Sadler, M&M's Ford, 4
  16). #44-Terry Labonte, Pizza Hut Chevrolet, 19 [won 1988, 1999]
  17). #48-Jimmie Johnson, Lowe's Chevrolet, 3 [won 2003]
  18). #88-Dale Jarrett, UPS Ford, 13
  19). #97-Kurt Busch, IRWIN Industrial Tools Ford, 3
  20). #99-Carl Edwards, Scotts Ford, 0
  
  
• Nextel Open Entry List:
  1). #07-Dave Blaney, Jack Daniel's Country Cocktail Chevrolet
  2). #0-Mike Bliss, Net Zero Best Buy Chevrolet
  3). #1-Martin Truex Jr., Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Chevrolet
  4). #4-Mike Wallace, Lucas Oil Chevrolet
  5). #5-Kyle Busch, Kellogg's Chevrolet
  6). #7-Robby Gordon, Fruit of the Loom Chevrolet
  7). #10-Scott Riggs, Valvoline Chevrolet
  8). #11-Jason Leffler, FedEx Ground Chevrolet
  9). #21-Ricky Rudd, Motorcraft Quality Parts Ford
  10). #22-Scott Wimmer, Caterpillar Dodge
  11). #25-Brian Vickers, GMAC/ditech.com Chevrolet
  12). #27-Kirk Shelmerdine, Freddie B's Ford
  13). #31-Jeff Burton, Cingular Wireless Chevrolet
  14). #32-Bobby Hamilton Jr., Tide Chevrolet
  15). #36-Boris Said, CENTRIX Financial Chevrolet
  16). #37-Kevin Lepage, R&J Racing Dodge
  17). #40-Sterling Marlin, Coors Light Dodge
  18). #41-Casey Mears, Target Dodge
  19). #42-Jamie McMurray, Texaco/Havoline Dodge
  20). #43-Jeff Green, Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge
  21). #45-Kyle Petty, Georgia-Pacific/Brawny Dodge
  22). #49-Ken Schrader, Schwan's Home Service Dodge
  23). #50-Jimmy Spencer, Arnold Development Co. Dodge
  24). #60-Derrike Cope, Year One Chevrolet
  25). #66-Hermie Sadler, Peak Fitness Ford
  26). #77-Travis Kvapil, Kodak/Jasper Eng. & Trans. Dodge
  27). #89-Morgan Shepherd, Racing with Jesus/Red Line Oil Dodge
  28). #92-Eric McClure, TBA Chevrolet
  
  
• Track Specs:
  Superspeedway: 1.5-mile quad oval
  Race Length: 334 laps, 501 miles
  Banking: turns: 24 degrees; straights: 5 degrees
  Straights: Frontstretch - 1952.8 feet; Backstretch - 1360 feet
  Grandstand Seating: 171,000
  Pit Road Speed: 45mph
  Pace Car Speed: 55mph
  
  
• Track Homepage: www.lowesmotorspeedway.com
  
  

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  Special Paint Schemes for
  the Nextel Open and Nextel All-Star Challenge

  Car#/Driver	Sponsor/Scheme/Promo	Image Link
  Nextel Open
  #4-Mike Wallace	Lucas Oil/Wide Open	....none yet
  #32-Bobby Hamilton Jr.	Tide to Go	....none yet
  #37-Kevin Lepage	Underdog	#37 Schemes Page
  #43-Jeff Green	Bugles	....none yet
  #49-Ken Schrader	Red Baron Pizza	....none yet
  Nextel All-Star Challenge
  #6-Mark Martin	Retro - Valvoline	#6 Schemes Page
  #18-Bobby Labonte	#18 on Hood	....none yet
  #20-Tony Stewart	Madagascar Movie	#20 Schemes Page
  #24-Jeff Gordon	DuPont Alliance	#24 Schemes Page
  #29-Kevin Harvick	Silver Select	#29 Schemes Page
  #38-Elliott Sadler	Pedigree	#38 Schemes Page
  #44-Terry Labonte	Pizza Hut	#44 Schemes Page
  #97-Kurt Busch	Blue Blade	....none yet

  
  
  
• Gordon to run DuPont Performance Alliance scheme at All-Star Race: Jeff Gordon’s #24 DuPont car will make its first appearance as the DuPont Performance Alliance car at the NASCAR Nextel Cup All-Star Challenge on Saturday, May 21. Designed by renowned NASCAR graphic artist Sam Bass, this special version of the 24 Chevrolet celebrates DuPont’s all-star collision repair centers throughout the United States. This paint scheme reverses the car’s primary colors of the fire and flame design, and the Performance Alliance logo and name will be featured on the hood, side panels and TV panel. Gordon, winner of the season-opening Daytona 500, will wear a specially created Performance Alliance-themed uniform.(DuPont), see images of the scheme on my #24 Team Schemes page.(5-19-2004)
  
  
• #97 to run Blue Blade scheme at All-Star Race: Kurt Busch and his #97 IRWIN Industrial Tools Racing Team will run an "Unbreakable" theme this week at Lowe's Motor Speedway as Busch will sport a unique silver, blue and yellow paint scheme to showcase IRWIN Blue Blade utility knife blades during the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge, Saturday, May 21. The IRWIN Blue Blade is a revolutionary utility blade that is unbreakable under normal work conditions. Its patented, bi-metal technology sets new standards of performance by delivering an unbreakable blade that lasts longer than standard utility blades. And since it's unbreakable, it's also safer to work with. The IRWIN Blue Blade is further enhanced by the quick and easy functionality and comfort of IRWIN Utility Knives, which recently received top honors in a test conducted by Tools of the Trade magazine. For more information about the IRWIN line of hand tools and power tool accessories, call 1-800-GO IRWIN or visit irwin.com.(Roush Racing/IRWIN Industrial Tools)(5-19-2005)
  
  
• Martin to run retro schemes in 2005: As a part of the Mark Martin’s ‘Salute to You’ program in 2005, his No. 6 Viagra* (sildenafil citrate) Ford will feature four retro-paint schemes during the course of the celebration season. The program will highlight Martin’s first Cup paint scheme that ran on his car during his first Winston Cup race in 1981. It will also highlight his first paint scheme in a Roush car, the Retro ’89 scheme ran in 1888 and 1989 and was the paint scheme on Martin’s car during his first Winston Cup win at Rockingham in 1989. The retro-90 scheme ran in ’90 and ’91 and saw a fierce battle between Martin and the late Dale Earnhardt for the 1990 Cup Championship. The Retro ’93 car represents one of the strongest eras in Martin’s career, a time when he won 13 races and 11 poles in a four-year span.
  Each of the four cars will still be sponsored by Viagra*, but will feature the four different schemes.
  RETRO ’93 [old Valvoline colors]- WILL RUN AT THE NEXTEL ALL-STAR CHALLENGE (5/21/05)
  Seasons – 1992-95
  Highlights – Ran for four seasons…Finished top-six in the points all four year including three top-five finishes and a second place in 1994...Garnered 50 top-five and 78 top-10 finishes…Had 11 poles and won 13 times…Won at Martinsville (5/26/92), Charlotte (10/11/92), Watkins Glen (8/8/93), Michigan (8/15/93), Bristol (8/28/93), Darlington (11/5/93), Phoenix (10/31/93), Watkins Glen (8/14/94), Atlanta (11/13/94), Talladega (5/30/95), Watkins Glen (8/13/95), North Wilkesboro (10/1/95) and Charlotte (10/8/95).(Roush Racing), images on my #6 Team Schemes page.(3-30-2005)
  
  
• Special Schemes for Gibbs #18 and #20: DreamWorks Animation, Joe Gibbs Racing, Interstate Batteries, The Home Depot and Action Performance Companies Inc. announced details about their latest NASCAR racing special centered around the upcoming animated feature film, Madagascar. The film follows the story of four "wild" animals who are treated to a pampered existence in the zoo until they accidentally are shipped to the island of Madagascar. The four principle characters - Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippopotamus - provide the basis for paint schemes that will decorate the #18 Interstate Batteries and #20 The Home Depot Chevrolet race cars owned by Joe Gibbs Racing. DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar opens nationwide in theaters on May 27, 2005. Tony Stewart will drive the #20 The Home Depot/Madagascar Chevrolet during the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge on May 21. Bobby Labonte, Stewart's teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing, will pilot the #18 Interstate Batteries/Madagascar Chevrolet during NASCAR's longest race, the Coca-Cola 600, on May 29, 2005. Both races will take place at the NASCAR track near Charlotte, N.C.
  The cross-promotion marks the second time that DreamWorks Animation has teamed with Joe Gibbs Racing in as many race seasons. Last year, the organizations teamed to showcase a pair of Shrek 2-themed stock cars that also saw action during the all-star and Memorial Day weekend races. Action Performance Companies, the leader in licensed motorsports merchandise, designed the Madagascar machines, including a limited edition program car. Action also will create die-cast replica versions of both the #18 and #20 Madagascar-edition race cars. In addition to the specialty paint scheme, each collectible comes in its own unique Madagascar-themed packaging. The collectibles will be available through Action's standard distribution channels.
  DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar is a computer-animated comedy starring four civilized animals - a lion, a zebra, a giraffe and a hippo - who have lived their entire lives in blissful captivity, growing up as best friends at the Central Park Zoo...until the day they are put on a boat to Africa and suddenly find themselves washed ashore onto the exotic island of Madagascar. Now, these native New Yorkers must learn to survive in this strange land and discover the true meaning of the phrase, "it's a jungle out there."(Action Performance PR), see images on my #18 Team Schemes page and #20 Team Schemes page.(2-26-2006)
  
  
• GM Goodwrench Kicks off 20th Anniversary Celebration: GM Goodwrench, a division of General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO), has announced plans for their 20th anniversary celebration of NASCAR sponsorship with Richard Childress Racing in 2005.
  3) Two events will coincide with the May race weekends at Lowe's Motor Speedway. First, fans watching the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge will see a recreation of one of the first special paint schemes when the #29 GM Goodwrench Silver Select Chevrolet hits the 1.5-mile high-banks. That next week, GM Goodwrench and RCR will host a Family Reunion at the RCR Museum, bringing together faces from the past and present that have helped keep the GM Goodwrench/RCR bond so strong.
  GM Goodwrench first officially shared room on the #3 Wrangler Chevrolet with Earnhardt as an associate sponsor at RCR in May of 1985. Two-and-a-half years later they took over the primary sponsorship role on the #3 and remained on the hood until Earnhardt's passing in February of 2001. The next race at North Carolina Speedway, Harvick was given the honors to take over the coveted GM Goodwrench ride with a brand new #29 on the side and it's been that way ever since.
  As a sponsor, GM Goodwrench has enjoyed unparalleled success during its relationship with RCR, accumulating six NASCAR Winston Cup Series championships, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, 68 race wins, the biggest Daytona 500 victory in the modern era, and two stunning Brickyard 400 wins.
  Famed NASCAR illustrator Sam Bass is the creator of all four of the unique paint schemes that will help GM Goodwrench celebrate their 20-year partnership with RCR. "It's an honor to be able to create these unique paint schemes for such a big occasion," said Bass, who also created GM Goodwrench's 20th anniversary logo. "All of these paint schemes were pretty easy to come up with, especially with the significance of what was going on during those times. I really appreciate GM Goodwrench and RCR allowing me to be a part of so much in their partnership, and I hope this helps to show their dedication to one another."(Champion Sports Group PR)(2-16-2005)
  
  

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  NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and Open Fast Facts

• NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge History Snapshot from Buz McKim
  This will be the 21st running of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge
  The event has taken place at Lowe’s Motor Speedway each year but 1986 when it was run at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
  Jeff Gordon leads all active drivers with three wins.
  Davey Allison won this event in 1991 and 1992, the only driver with back-to-back wins.
  The winner of this race in 1985, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 2001 went on to win the season championship.
  Rick Hendrick leads all team owners with 5 wins.
  Chevrolet has won the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge 11 times.
  Dale Earnhardt’s legendary “Pass in the Grass” took place in the 1987 edition of this race.
  Mark Martin won in 1998 when race leader Jeff Gordon ran out of gas on the last lap.
  Darrell Waltrip won the first running of this race in 1985. He drove a Chevrolet for Junior Johnson.
  In 1986, Michael Waltrip became the first driver to win the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge after qualifying through the preliminary race.
  Matt Kenseth’s win in 2004 was Jack Roush’s first NASCAR NEXTEL all-Star Challenge victory since 1998.
  Jeff Gordon won the 2001 race in a back-up car.(NASCAR Statisical Services)(5-18-2005)
  
  What: 21st Annual NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge
  When: Saturday, May 21, 9:00pm/et
  Where: Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.
  TV: FX, 7:00pm/et
  Radio: MRN/XM Satellite
  Total purse: $3,216,700
  Winner’s purse: $1,004,350
  Track configuration: 1.5-mile oval
  2004 winner: Matt Kenseth
  Most All-Star victories among active drivers: Jeff Gordon, three (1995, ’97, 2001)
  Eligibility
  Race winners (drivers and owners) from the previous and current NASCAR NEXTEL Cup seasons.
  Winner of the Nextel Open, a preliminary event for teams not qualified for the all-star event.
  Another Nextel Open driver who wins a fan vote into the all-star event.
  Past event champions.
  NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champions from the previous 10 seasons (1995-2004) who are active drivers and have competed in at least one series event during the 2004 or 2005 seasons.
  Format
  90 laps/135 miles.
  Three segments: 40 laps, 30 laps, 20 laps.
  No eliminations prior to final segment.
  Mandatory 10-minute pit stop between first and second segments.
  During pit stop, random drawing will determine a field inversion; from six to 12 cars will be inverted for the start of the second segment.
  
  What: NEXTEL Open (Qualifying event for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge)
  When: Saturday, May 21, 7:30pm/et Where: Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C. TV: FX, 7:00pm/et Radio: MRN/XM Satellite Total purse: $921,700 Winner’s purse: $48,875 Track configuration: 1.5-mile oval 2004 winner: Sterling Marlin Eligibility
  Drivers who have not won races during 2004 or 2005.
  Drivers who were either in the top 50 positions of the final 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series point standings or in the top 50 of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series point standings as of March 14, 2005.
  Format
  30 laps/40 miles; race run in two segments, of 20 laps and 10 laps
  Two drivers from the NEXTEL Open field will make the grid for the 21st annual NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge: The winner and a second competitor who will chosen by an online poll of fans.
  
  

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  NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and Open Odds

• National Sports Services - Nextel All Star Challenge
  
  
• Vegas Insider: Nextel All Star Challenge preview by Micah Roberts
  
  
• World Sports Exchange:Nextel All Star Challenge odds
  
  

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  FORMAT and INFO about the All-Star Challenge

• The 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge showcases race winners from the previous and current seasons, plus past event champions and series champions from the past 10 years (1995-2005) who are active drivers and have competed in at least one series event during the 2004 or 2005 season. Also eligible:
  • The winner of the NEXTEL Open, a preliminary event for teams not qualified for the all-star event, and another NEXTEL Open driver who wins a fan vote into the all-star event.
  • To qualify for the NEXTEL Open event, drivers must be in the Top 50 of the final 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup point standings, or in the Top 50 of the current point standings as of March 14, 2005.
  
  
• NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Fast Facts
  
  Location: Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.
  
  Date: Saturday, May 21, 2005
  
  Time: 9:00pm/et
  
  Sanctioning Body: NASCAR, Daytona Beach, Fla.
  
  Series: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series - Special Non-Points Event
  
  Companion Races: NEXTEL Open - NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, Circle K CRASHCars presented by Full Throttle Energy Drink, 600 Racing Legends Cars
  
  Distance: 90 laps, 135 miles (run in three segments of 40 laps, 30 laps and 20 laps). Teams must make a mandatory green-flag, four-tire pit stop during the first segment. This stop must be made after the completion of lap 14 and before the completion of lap 16. Pit stops made during cautions will not count toward this pit stop requirement.
  Between segment 1 and segment 2, there will be a 10-minute break during which a random drawing will determine if as few as six or as many as 12 cars will be inverted. Teams will pit and may elect to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments. Changing of springs, shock absorbers or rear-ends will not be permitted.
  Between segment 2 and segment 3 there will be a yellow flag during which teams may elect to pit. They may add fuel, change tires and make normal chassis adjustments. Teams pitting will not retain their position and will restart at the rear of the field in the order they leave pit road. Only green flag laps count during the third segment. All restarts will be double file and lapped cars will start at the rear.
  
  Purse: $3,216,700 (event record)
  NEXTEL All-Star Challenge winner's purse: $1,004,350
  Segment Winner Bonuses: 1st, $75,000; 2nd $20,000; 3rd, $10,000
  
  Radio/Television: Motor Racing Network (MRN) will broadcast the race live to its affiliate stations beginning at 6:45 p.m. (EDT). MRN's broadcast can also be heard on XM Satellite Radio channel 144. Cable channel FX will televise the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge live.
  Pre-race coverage begins at 7:00pm/et and will also include coverage of the NASCAR NEXTEL Open.
  
  2004 Winner: Matt Kenseth, Dewalt Tools Ford
  
  Qualifying: One round of qualifying will be held Friday, May 20, at 7:10pm/et. Each driver will run three laps with a mandatory four-tire, pit stop. The total elapsed time will comprise each team's qualifying effort and the pole-winning team will earn $50,000.
  
  2004 Pole Sitter: Rusty Wallace, Miller Lite Dodge, 123.998 seconds, 130.647 mph Total elapsed time of three laps, including a four-tire pit stop
  
  Eligibility List:
  #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- 2004 Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Fla.
  #17-Matt Kenseth -- 2004 Subway 400, Rockingham, N.C.
  #48-Jimmie Johnson -- 2004 Carolina Dodge Dealers 400, Darlington, S.C.
  #97-Kurt Busch -- 2004 Food City 500, Bristol, Tenn. #38-Elliott Sadler -- 2004 Samsung/Radio Shack 500, Ft. Worth, Texas
  #2-Rusty Wallace -- 2004 Advance Auto Parts 500, Martinsville, Va.
  #24-Jeff Gordon -- 2004 Aaron's 499, Talladega, Ala.
  #6-Mark Martin -- 2004 MBNA 400, Dover, Del.
  #12-Ryan Newman -- 2004 DHL 400, Brooklyn, Mich.
  #20-Tony Stewart -- 2004 Tropicana 400, Joliet, Ill.
  #16-Greg Biffle -- 2004 GFS Marketplace 400, Brooklyn, Mich.
  #19-Jeremy Mayfield -- 2004 Chevy Rock & Roll 400, Richmond, Va.
  #01-Joe Nemechek -- 2004 Banquet 400, Kansas City, Kan.
  #99-Carl Edwards -- 2005 Golden Corral 500, Hampton, Ga.
  #29-Kevin Harvick -- 2005 Food City 500, Bristol, Tenn.
  #44-Terry Labonte -- 1996 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champion
  #88-Dale Jarrett -- 1999 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champion
  #18-Bobby Labonte -- 2000 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champion
  #15-Michael Waltrip -- 1996 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Winner
  TBD -- 2005 NEXTEL Open Winner
  TBD -- Fan Vote
  
  Tickets: Tickets for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge start at $33 and include the NEXTEL Open and a pre-race concert by The Black Crowes. To purchase tickets, call the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(5-11-2005)
  
  
• 2005 NEXTEL Open Fast Facts
  Location: Lowe's Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.
  Date: Saturday, May 21, 2005
  Time: 7:40pm/et
  Sanctioning Body: NASCAR, Daytona Beach, Fla.
  Series: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series - Special Event
  Eligibility: Drivers not already eligible for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and finished in the top 50 of the final 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series points or were in the top 50 of the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series points on March 14, 2005, may participate in the NEXTEL Open.
  Length: The NEXTEL Open will consist of 30 laps, 45 miles, and will be run in two segments-20 laps and 10 laps. Between segment 1 and segment 2, there will be a yellow flag during which teams can pit and may elect to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments. Teams pitting will not retain their position on the track and will start segment 2 at the rear of the field in the order they leave pit road.
  Purse: $921,700 (event record)
  Winner's share: $48,875
  2004 Winner: Sterling Marlin, Coors Light Dodge
  Qualifying: The better of two qualifying laps will determine a driver's official qualifying speed for the NEXTEL Open. Qualifying is scheduled for Friday, May 20, at 6:05pm/et.
  2004 Pole Sitter: Dave Blaney, Finish Line Dodge, 29.180 seconds, 185.058 mph
  Radio/Television: Motor Racing Network (MRN) will broadcast the NEXTEL Open live to its affiliate radio stations with coverage beginning at 6:45pm/et. MRN's broadcast can also be heard on XM Satellite Radio channel 144. Cable channel FX will televise the race live. Coverage begins with a pre-race show at 7:00pm/et.
  Tickets: Tickets for Saturday night, May 21, start at $33 and include the NEXTEL Open, the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and a pre-race concert by The Black Crowes. To purchase tickets, call 1-800-455-FANS or visit www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(5-10-2005)
  
  

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  NEWS, and RUMORS about the All-Star Challenge

• Local Newspaper and other Sites that cover the Concord/Charlotte, NC Area:
  Charlotte Chamber of Commerce
  Charlotte Observer
  Mooresville Tribune
  Independent Tribune
  Mooresville, NC
  Asheville Citizen-Times
  Dunn Daily Record
  Fayetteville Observer-Times
  GoCarolina's
  Go Lake Norman
  Henderson Times-News
  High Point Enterprise
  News and Observer
  News and Record
  Race City USA
  Winston-Salem Journal
  NBC 6
  WRAL-TV Raleigh, NC
  
  
• Weather Forecast Links for the race area:
  
  
  
  Raceweather.net
  
  The Weather Channel
  Accuweather
  Accuweather - Local Radar
  Intellicast - NASCAR weather
  National Weather Service
  Weather Underground
  
  
• Track/Travel/Camping/Reviews/Info for Fans:
  Charlotte Review by ARS Racing
  Go RVing
  Laid Back Racing
  
  
• Pamela Anderson to serve as Grand Marshal: Pamela Anderson will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 21st NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 21. Currently producer and star of the FOX comedy series STACKED, which was recently renewed for its second season, Anderson was born in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, and began her Hollywood career in 1991 when she was hired to play “Lisa” on Home Improvement. The following year Anderson received her most famous role, playing “C.J. Parker” on Baywatch. In 1998, she worked as the executive producer and star of V.I.P. A film actress as well, Anderson has starred in movies including The Taking of Beverly Hills, The Evolution of Mr. E., and Barb Wire.(LMS)(5-18-2005)
  
  
• Anthony Hamilton to sing National Anthem: R&B Vocalist Anthony Hamilton will sing the National Anthem prior to the start of the 21st NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 21. Hamilton is a native of Charlotte, N.C., and started his music career at the age of 10 in his church choir. In 1993, Hamilton moved to New York City to pursue a music career. His break came when he received the lead singing spot on the Nappy Roots track “Po’ Folks,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2003 in the Best Rap/Song Collaboration category. He was then signed to Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def label where he released Comin’ from Where I’m From. His latest album, Soulife, is scheduled to be released in June 2006.(LMS)(5-18-2005)
  
  
• All-Star Voting Extended until May 19th: Nextel Communications Inc. says fan voting to pick a driver to be added to the field for the May 21 Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway is being extened until May 19. More than 300,000 votes have already been cast. Votes may be cast at www.Nextel.com/allstar or on Nextel phones by texting "STAR" to 7827.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)
  
  
• Boris to run the Nextel Open: The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star weekend was not on Boris Said's latest schedule of 2005 Cup races. But that slate recently changed after rain cut short last Tuesday's test session at Lowe's Motor Speedway for the MB/Sutton Motorsports team. Said, whose part-time Cup schedule includes the May 29th Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's, felt he did not have enough time to acclimate himself to the 1.5-mile oval during the rain-shortened test session. "Since we didn't run a full test session, coupled with the top 35 drivers in points are already guaranteed a spot in the (43-car) field, we felt more seat time was needed to have a realistic shot of qualifying for the Coca-Cola race," offered Said, driver of the #36 CENTRIX Financial Chevrolet. "Our main purpose for this weekend is to take advantage of the practice sessions and use them as a test and tune for next week's race. I need more time and the crew also needs more time to find the best setup for Lowe's. We knew going into this race that it would be difficult to qualify. And not having the full test session last week made it even more difficult." Though Said will be in a test mode this weekend, it doesn't mean he will not be at full throttle when the green flag drops for Saturday night's NEXTEL Open. The winner of the Open will transfer into the main feature -- The NEXTEL All-Star Challenge.(MBSuttom Motorsports)(5-17-2005)
  
  
• Cope to run the Open: Derrike Cope will be running in the Nextel Open at Lowe's Motor Speedway May 21st. According to Cope, "I'm looking forward to being behind the wheel of Larry Gunselman's #60 Chevy for the All-Star Challenge. I am anxious to compete and to represent Year One. Kevin King is a super individual and we are pleased to be giving him additional exposure at Charlotte. We really appreciated his support and sponsorship at Daytona."(Derrike Cope site)(5-17-2005)
  
  
• "Humpy" Wheeler Lays His Cards on the Table, Picks Jeff Gordon to Win the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge:
  The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge is racing's version of a high-stakes poker game and H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, thinks Jeff Gordon will draw the $1 million winning hand. Wheeler named Gordon as his selection to win Saturday night's 21st running of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge during his annual pick-the-winner press conference Monday in downtown Charlotte. Known for his promotional flair and Karnac-type ability, Wheeler has correctly picked the winner of NASCAR's all-star race nine times in the past 16 races.
  "Jeff Gordon has this place figured out," Wheeler said about Gordon's understanding of the track's levigated racing surface. "He knew more about what we did to the track than anybody and he even picked out the little secret things we did. Jeff has shown an ability to adapt to new tracks as fast or faster than any driver I have ever seen. In fact, he might have found a groove nobody knows about. Is he going to show that groove during qualifying? I don't think so. I don't think we'll see it until that final 20-lap segment."
  This is the fifth time in 11 years Wheeler has selected Gordon to win NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series racing's all-star event and only one of the four previous picks panned out. That came in 1995 when Gordon avoided a crash involving Dale Earnhardt and Darrell Waltrip at the start of the final segment and went on to record his first of three victories. After thoroughly reviewing the data, Wheeler said his selection came down to a choice between Gordon and Greg Biffle.
  "Greg Biffle is the hottest driver on the circuit and, if you look at what he's done recently, he would normally be my choice," Wheeler explained. "I believe very strongly in the 'sweet spot in time' that athletes go through and I think Biffle's having his right now. In addition, crew chief Doug Richert has made a fabulous comeback." Wheeler continued, "Richert's ability to make a race car handle has always been underestimated. When he was Dale Earnhardt's crew chief, Earnhardt ran so deep into the corners here you thought he was going to Concord. But they're bringing a brand new car for this race, and that tipped the scales in Gordon's favor."
  Ryan Newman, the 2002 winner of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge, was another driver Wheeler gave heavy consideration during the extensive selection process. "Newman always runs well on the mile-and-a-half race tracks, but he hasn't finished that well this season," said Wheeler. "Plus, Newman only tested his Busch Series car here and I think that will hurt him in the all-star race."
  This year, instead of a dark horse selection, Wheeler's going with a pair of sentimental favorites-Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace. "This will be the final time these two guys compete in the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and that'll be extra incentive for them to get up on the wheel," Wheeler said. "Rusty's bump-and-run of Darrell Waltrip in the 1989 race was a defining moment that literally changed his career while Martin had fans on their feet when he swept around Gordon's sputtering car on the final lap to win the 1998 race. It would be a very popular victory if either of these guys can claim the $1 million first prize."
  
  In the inaugural NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Pit Crew Challenge Thursday night, May 19, at the Charlotte Coliseum, Wheeler predicts the event's unique format will result in true athleticism rising to the top. "If the competition was a normal pit stop, it would be hard to bet against the 48, 24 or 97 teams," Wheeler said. "However, I had spies watching some of the practice and I think this format, which includes pushing the car, gives Michael Waltrip's No. 15 team the edge."
  
  On-track activities for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge kick off Friday night with qualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and the NEXTEL Open. In addition to qualifying, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will compete in the Quaker Steak & Lube 200 presented by Click It or Ticket. Tickets start at $20.
  
  Good seats, in various price ranges, are still available for Saturday's NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. Tickets start at $33 and may be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.
  
  "Humpy" Wheeler's Pick the Winner Results
  Year: Selection (Finish), Dark Horse, Winner
  1989 Rusty Wallace (1), none, Rusty Wallace
  1990 Dale Earnhardt (1), none, Dale Earnhardt
  1991 Davey Allison (1), none, Davey Allison
  1992 Davey Allison (1), Alan Kulwicki, Davey Allison
  1993 Dale Earnhardt (1), none, Dale Earnhardt
  1994 Ernie Irvan (15), Geoffrey Bodine, Geoffrey Bodine
  1995 Jeff Gordon (1), Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon
  1996 Rusty Wallace (2), Jeff Gordon, Michael Waltrip
  1997 Dale Earnhardt (4), Dale Jarrett, Jeff Gordon
  1998 Rusty Wallace (5), Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin
  1999 Jeff Gordon (3), Jeremy Mayfield, Terry Labonte
  2000 Dale Earnhardt Jr. (1), Terry Labonte, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
  2001 Dale Jarrett (2), Steve Park, Jeff Gordon
  2002 Jeff Gordon (11), Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman
  2003 Jimmie Johnson (1), D. Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson
  2004 Jeff Gordon (6), Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth
  2005 Jeff Gordon (?), M. Martin/R. Wallace, ?
  (LMS PR)(5-16-2005)
  
  
• NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Trophy Tour: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series fans have the opportunity to follow the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge trophy as it makes its way through North Carolina on a 10-day tour that started Tuesday in Raleigh. Fans can visit lowesmotorspeedway.com to receive daily updates. The tour culminates at the NASCAR NEXTEL Pit Crew Challenge at the Charlotte Coliseum on May 19. The trophy will be awarded to the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge champion at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday, May 21.(5-11-2005)
  
  
• All-Star Race Likely Back at LMS in 2006: NASCAR's Nextel All-Star Challenge race is likely to return to Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte in 2006, but NASCAR isn't ready to say the race will remain there in the future, The Charlotte Observer reports. The paper says a vice president from Nextel, which sponsors NASCAR's Cup series as well as the all-star race, said that the company was happy with the Charlotte area's efforts for the race and indicated the event would likely come back in 2006. But NASCAR Vice President Jim Hunter said nothing has been decided about the long term. "Every year, we revisit the idea of moving the all-star race," he said. The story says the all-star event creates an estimated $94 million impact on the region's economy in travel and tourism dollars.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(4-7-2005)
  
  
• Plans for NEXTEL All-Star Challenge to be announced Today UPDATE: Nextel, NASCAR, Lowe's Motor Speedway and the Charlotte Local Organizing Committee will collectively announce plans for the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge on Wednesday, April 6th, where the best of NASCAR will battle it out on May 21. During the press conference, several new enhancements to the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge week of activities will be announced.(LMS)(4-6-2005)
  UPDATE: Nextel Communications, Lowe’s Motor Speedway, NASCAR and the North Carolina Local Organizing Committee (LOC) today announced the events taking place during the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge, the week of May 21 in Charlotte, N.C. The NASCAR NEXTEL Pit Crew Challenge, the first event of its kind to be officially sanctioned by NASCAR, the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Trophy Tour and more ways for fans to vote in the Nextel All-Star Challenge Sweepstakes have all been added to the 2005 agenda in a collaborative effort by these parties to create a one-of-a-kind all-star experience. The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge is the marquee event of the week and is a race between drivers who have won a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series points race in the 2004 or 2005 seasons, as well as previous event champions who remain active in the series. The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge activities will include:
  NASCAR NEXTEL Pit Crew Challenge Presented by Motorola The first NASCAR NEXTEL Pit Crew Challenge presented by Motorola will take place at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, May 19, at the Charlotte Coliseum. The only event of its kind officially sanctioned by NASCAR, this inaugural contest will pit the nation’s favorite over-the-wall athletes against each other in seven head-to-head skills competitions designed to showcase the talents of NASCAR’s top crew members and identify the top pit crew specialists and overall pit crew. Components of the competition include individual and team contests for tire men, gas men and jack men, and the winners will earn more than $200,000 in guaranteed cash and prizes. Tickets for the event are available for $10 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster, Lowe’s Motor Speedway ticket office, at each stop of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Trophy Tour or by calling 1-800-455-FANS. At the event, charitable contributions can be made to NASCAR Day, a celebration of NASCAR spirit that benefits Victory Junction Gang Camp, Speediatrics and Speedway Children’s Charities.
  The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge field consists of drivers who have won a points race in 2004 or 2005, and former NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Champions who remain active. Fans will have five ways to vote in one driver among the top 50 in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver points standings who is not already in the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge.
  Voting locations include: • Trackside at The Nextel Experience
  • Participating Nextel retail locations
  • The Nextel Racing Experience Events • Online at www.Nextel.com/allstar
  • Through their Nextel phones by texting “STAR” to 7827
  For more information about the sweepstakes, see the official rules at www.Nextel.com/allstar.(LMS)(4-6-2005)
  
  

  ---

  THE FORMAT

• NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge News and Notes:
  The 21st NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge returns on Saturday, May 21 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, with the winner collecting over $1 million during one of the season’s most exciting evenings.
  
  The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers who will compete that night have earned that distinction. The all-star event showcases race winners from the previous and current NASCAR NEXTEL Cup seasons, plus the winner of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Open, a preliminary event for teams not qualified for the all-star event, and another Open driver who wins a fan vote into the all-star event.
  
  Other qualified participants include past event champions and NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champions from the past 10 years (1995-2005) who are active drivers and have competed in at least one series event during the 2004 or 2005 season. Going into Sunday’s Advance Auto Parts 500 at Martinsville Speedway, 21 drivers have qualified for the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge.
  
  The all-star evening begins with the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Open, a 30-lap sprint divided into two segments, the first 20 laps and the second 10 laps. Two Open drivers will transfer to the all-star event, one by winning the Open and the other by winning a fan vote.
  To qualify for the Nextel Open, drivers must be in the Top 50 of the final 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series [drivers] point standings, or in the Top 50 of the current NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series [drivers] point standings as of March 14, 2005.
  
  Next up is the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge, the execution of which remains familiar:
  
  The 90-lap/135-mile event will be divided into 40-, 30- and 20-lap segments and no driver will be eliminated after the first two segments to give the full field a chance to compete in the final segment. But there is a competitive twist: During the 10-minute pit stop between the first and second segments, a random drawing will determine whether as few as six or as many as 12 cars will be inverted.
  
  Defending champion Matt Kenseth leads the list of current qualifiers, followed by 2004 race winners Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Jeremy Mayfield, Joe Nemechek, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler, Tony Stewart and Rusty Wallace; 2005 race winners Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick; past event champions Terry Labonte (1999) and Michael Waltrip (1996); and past series champions Bobby Labonte (2000), Dale Jarrett (1999) and Terry Labonte (1996).
  
  Fast Facts
  What: 21st annual NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge.
  Where: Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.
  When: Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 7:30:00pm/et.
  TV: FX, 7:00pm/et.
  Radio: MRN/XM Satellite.
  Posted awards: $4 million (approximate).
  Race length: 90 laps/135 miles.
  Track layout: 1.5-mile tri-oval.
  2004 winner: Matt Kenseth.
  
  Eligible drivers: Race winners from ‘04 and ’05, past event champions, past NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champions, NASCAR NEXTEL Nextel Open winner, Fan Vote Winner from Open.
  
  Qualified drivers/cars as of April 6: Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Dale Jarrett, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte, Mark Martin, Jeremy Mayfield, Joe Nemechek, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler, Tony Stewart, Rusty Wallace, Michael Waltrip, NEXTEL Open Winner, Fan Vote NEXTEL Open Driver.(PR)(4-6-2005)
  
  The Format The NEXTEL Open Qualifying 2004
  Qualifying procedures for The NASCAR NEXTEL Open will be two laps, with the better of the two representing the team's qualifying effort. Adjustments or repairs may not be made on the car after the car has taken the green flag at the start/finish line. NASCAR reserves the right to have more than one car engage in qualifying runs at the same time.
  
  The NASCAR NEXTEL Open
  This 30-lap event will be run in two segments. The first segment will be 20 laps with all laps - including caution laps - counting The second segment will be 10 laps and only green-flag laps will count to ensure a green-flag finish. During a caution period, all four tires may be changed. In the event of an extended caution period, the race may be red flagged. Crews will be permitted to work on cars if the race is stopped due to red flag. However, all work must be performed on pit road or Garage Area only.
  NOTE: When the race director is ready to resume the event, all cars must immediately be ready to return to competition.
  All re-starts will be double file re-starts. Lapped cars will start at the rear of the field (EIRI). Green Flag and yellow flag laps will be counted during segment one. Only green flag laps will be counted during the second segment.
  Between segment 1 and segment 2, there will be a yellow flag at which time teams can pit and may elect to change tires, add fuel and make normal chas sis adjustments. Crews will be permitted to work on cars and will be allowed to perform those pit crew functions that they would do on a normal pit stop in a regular NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship event. However, all work must be performed on pit road or Garage Area only. Changing of springs, shock absorbers or rear-ends will not be permitted. Teams pitting will not retain their position on the racetrack and will start the second segment at the rear of the field in the order they left pit road.
  
  The winner of The NASCAR NEXTEL Open will advance to The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. In addition, one other driver from the NASCAR NEXTEL Open will transfer to the main event. This driver will be selected by a fan vote held prior to the event. In the event that the winner of the fan vote is also the winner of the NASCAR NEXTEL Open, the driver with the next highest vote total will transfer.
  
  
• The Format - The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge Qualifying Qualifying for The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge will consist of three laps with a mandatory four-tire pit stop included. The total elapsed time of the pit stop and laps will make up each team's qualifying effort. Drivers must adhere to the pit-road speed limit when entering pit road, but there is no speed limit when exiting.
  
  
• The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge:
  The NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge will be 90 laps total and consists of three segments totaling 40, 30 and 20 laps. The field will be inverted following the first segment with no fewer than six and no more than 12 positions being inverted. During a caution period, all four tires may be changed. In the event of an extended caution period, the race may be red flagged. Crews will be permitted to work on cars if the race is stopped due to red flag. However, all work must be performed on pit road or Garage Area only.
  NOTE: When the race director is ready to resume the event, all cars must immediately be ready to return to competition.
  All re-starts will be double file re-starts. Lapped cars will start at the rear of the field (EIRI). Green flag and yellow flag laps will be counted during segment 1 and segment 2. Only green flag laps will be counted during the third segment.
  During the first segment, a mandatory "Green Flag" four-tire pit stop is required. This pit stop must be made after the completion of lap 10 and before the completion lap 35. Pit stops made during caution laps will not count toward this pit stop requirement. To be considered a green flag pit stop, the driver must receive the green flag on the racetrack not pit road. Drivers must complete the first segment (40 laps) on the racetrack (EIRI).
  
  
  Between segment 1 and segment 2, there will be a 10-minute pit stop at which time a random drawing will be held to determine if as few as six (6) or as many as twelve (12) cars will be inverted. If necessary after the random drawing, drivers who finished behind those who were inverted from the first segment will start the second segment in the order in which they finished the first segment. Teams will pit and may elect to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments. Crews will be permitted to work on cars and will be allowed to perform those pit crew functions that they would do on a normal pit stop in a regular NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship event. However, all work must be performed on pit road or Garage Area only. Changing of springs, shock absorbers or rear-ends will not be permitted.
  
  Between segment 2 and segment 3 there will be a yellow flag at which time teams can pit and may elect to pit for fuel, tires and normal chassis adjustments. Crews will be permitted to work on cars and will be allowed to perform those pit crew functions that they would do on a normal pit stop in a regular NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship event. However, all work must be performed on pit road or Garage Area only. Changing of springs, shock absorbers or rear-ends will not be permitted. Teams pitting will not retain their position on the racetrack and will restart at the rear of the field in the order they left pit road.(5/2004)