NASCAR announces format for Sprint Unlimited at Daytona
NASCAR on Thursday announced that the season-opening, 75-lap Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway will be split into two segments of 25 and 50 laps.
A competition caution at Lap 25 will separate the segments in the non-points event, which begins live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET on Feb. 14.
New this year, select fans will be paired with each crew chief represented in the race for a random drawing to determine starting and pit road positions. The drawings will take place Feb. 13 at Daytona's FDOT Main Stage inside the Sprint FANZONE beginning at 3:30 p.m. local time.
"Anticipation for the start of the NASCAR season is at an all-time high among fans and drivers," said NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer Steve O'Donnell. "Fans have a unique opportunity to participate in key elements of the event, making this year's Sprint Unlimited even more exciting."
The Sprint Unlimited will feature 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers consisting of 2014 Pole Award winners, former Sprint Unlimited race winners, Daytona 500 pole winners who competed full time in 2014, and 15 of the 16 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers from 2014.
If an eligible driver does not enter the race, the open position is filled based on 2014 championship driver points. That means Clint Bowyer will replace 2014 Chase driver AJ Allmendinger, who has opted not to participate.
