Pit Crew Challenge now plays into All-Star event

CONCORD, N.C. -- Several enhancements have been made to the 2007 Pit Crew Challenge and All-Star Challenge.

The third annual Pit Crew Challenge, slated for May 16 at Charlotte Bobcats Arena, will be directly linked to the All-Star Challenge, as the finishing order in the pit crew competition will decide the selection order of pit stalls for the May 19 race.

The All-Star Challenge's new format consists of four, 20-lap segments and features teams that qualify for the event by winning a Cup Series event during the 2006 or 2007 seasons.

Additionally, two drivers will qualify for the premier event by finishing first and second, respectively, after two 20-lap segments in the Nextel Open.

Finally, one driver once again will join the All-Star Challenge field by winning the Nextel Fan Vote.

Teams will have the option of pitting after the first 20-lap segment of the event, giving up their respective on-track position by doing so. A mandatory 10-minute stop will follow the second 20-lap segment. Teams will resume their position at the start of the third segment.

Following segment three, all remaining participants on the track will circle the track under caution. Each team will then conduct a pit stop under race-like pitting conditions. The order of the teams exiting pit road will serve as the starting lineup for the fourth, and final, 20-lap segment.

The All-Star Challenge will be broadcast live on SPEED.