Unique qualifying format endures

            CONCORD - The Sprint All-Star Race - previously The Winston, The Winston Select and the Nextel All-Star Challenge - is, like its name, a work in progress.

            One area of stability, however, is qualifying. Since 1989, the format has included a pit stop as part of each driver's run, and since 2001, the pit stop has required the change of four tires.

            That's why Darrell Waltrip won the pole in 1988 at an average speed of 174.154 mph, and last year Matt Kenseth averaged 133.442.

            Kenseth had to make a pit stop. Waltrip didn't. In 2000, Bill Elliott won the pole at 152.928 mph. That's because Elliott's pit stop for two tires took 6.8 seconds. Last year Kenseth's run included an 11.6-second stop for four tires.

            Each run takes slightly over two minutes. Kenseth's elapsed time last year was 2 minutes, 1.401 seconds.

            The drivers who haven't earned berths in the All-Star Race have a shot by finishing either first or second in the Sprint Showdown. Qualifying for that event is business as usual: faster of two laps. Last year Carl Edwards won the pole by averaging 187.487 mph.

            Showdown qualifying is scheduled today for 5:10 p.m., followed by All-Star Race qualifying at approximately 6:15. The North Carolina Education Lottery 200, a Craftsman Truck Series race, is scheduled for 8 p.m.

            The actual All-Star Race will be contested under an amended format. The race will consist of four 25-lap segments, lengthening the overall length to 250 miles at the 1.5-mile Lowe's Motor Speedway. A pit stop will be required between the third and fourth segments, though there are no minimum requirements in terms of tires and fuel. Drivers could opt for just a "stop-and-go" stop that would give them track position but not the speed of fresh rubber.

            Saturday night's All-Star race marks the final bow for 1999 Winston Cup champion Dale Jarrett, who is retiring afterwards.

"It's just an opportunity to say goodbye to the fans," said Jarrett, embarking on a broadcasting career. "The fans that you see come to that all-star event are the fans that really make up what this sport is about. This is really my opportunity to get in front of a huge crowd in a place that means a lot to me."

            You can reach Monte Dutton at mdutton@gastongazette.com.