The 2011 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race is set for Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This one-of-a-kind professional All-Star showcase awards $1,000,000 to the winner in an all-or-nothing race to the checkered flag. Here's how it works:

Qualifying Sessions

Sprint Showdown Qualifying


• When: 5 p.m. ET Friday
• TV: SPEED
• Normal time trial: Two laps, all positions
Sprint All-Star Race Qualifying


• When: 6 p.m. ET Friday
• TV: SPEED
• Time trial consists of three laps, including a four-tire pit stop
• The total time determines the starting lineup for the All-Star Race

Sprint Showdown



• When: 7:30 p.m ET Saturday
• TV: SPEED
• Drivers who don't automatically qualify for the All-Star Race are given a chance to race into the main event
Segment 1 (20 Laps)


• Teams start the first of two 20 lap segments
• Teams can opt to pit under yellow following this segment


Segment 2 (20 Laps)


• Only green-flag laps are counted
• Top two finishers earn a berth in the All-Star Race


Count the Votes


• The driver with the most votes who finishes on the lead lap of the Sprint Showdown also earns an All-Star Race berth
• Fans can vote by texting "NASCAR" to "7777" or online at NASCAR.COM
• Votes cast from Sprint, Nextel, Virgin Mobile and Boost Mobile handsets count double

Sprint All-Star Race



• When: 9 p.m. ET Saturday
• TV: SPEED
Segment 1 (50 Laps)


• Green flag drops on the All-Star Race
• Drivers must make a four-tire, green-flag pit stop
• Cars must past start/finish line on the racetrack on lap 25
• Caution flag waves at the end of the segment for an optional pit stop
Segment 2 (20 Laps)


• Another caution waves at the end of the segment for an optional pit stop
Segment 3 (20 Laps)


• After the segment, teams may add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments during a 10-minute break
• Prior to the start of Segment 4, cars will line up single file in the order of finish of Segment 3 for one lap
• On the second lap, all teams must then make a four-tire pit stop
• Lineup for final segment determined by the order of exit off pit road
Segment 4 (10 Laps)


• Only green-flag laps are counted
• The winner receives $1,000,000