Four Tire Pit Stops for NASCAR All-Star Race

An interesting decision made by the NASCAR governing body will send the May 22 All-Star race more into the pit crews' hands than in those of the drivers. The decision was made precisely for this purpose, because "pit crews are such an important part of everything we do week in and week out" as NASCAR vice president of competition, Robin Pemberton, was qoted as saying by Auto123.

The format of the race will remain basically the same through the first three segments, with a green flag pit stop in the first segment and regular pit stops in the second and third. They will be followed by a 10-minute break.

Following the brake, cars will leave pit road in the formation they finished the third leg, following the pace car. During the second passing, pit road will be open and there will be a four-tire pit stop by the teams. Meaning the last segment will be set according to how the cars come off of pit road.

"We saw last year just how competitive this format can be, with Tony Stewart battling Matt Kenseth for the win on the final couple of laps,” Pemberton added.

“With the addition of the four-tire pit stop, there is going to be even greater competition between the pit crews on who can get their driver serviced and out the quickest. I think the fans are in for quite a show.”

The All-Star race will see on the grid race winners from either the 2009 or 2010 season and any past champions of the all-star event or NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.