What is the Shootout?

The Budweiser Shootout traditionally kicks off Speedweeks. The non-points event has jump-started the Sprint Cup Series season since 1979. From 1979 to 1997, the event was known as the "Busch Clash," and in 1998 became the "Bud Shootout." The current name -- "Budweiser Shootout at Daytona" -- was adopted in 2001.

The Shootout previously consisted of drivers who earned a Bud Pole Award in the previous season and past champions of the event who did not earn a Bud Pole during the previous year but finished among the top 50 in the season's final championship standings.

The Shootout's entry format will change in 2009: only the top six teams and one wild-card entry in owner points from each manufacturer will earn berths in the season-opening exhibition race at Daytona. (Entry List)

Anheuser-Busch noted that sponsorship of the pole award by a rival brewer [Coors] contributed partially to the decision to radically change the format.

Dale Earnhardt leads all drivers with six victories in Budweiser Shootout events. The only drivers to win back-to-back Budweiser Shootout crowns are Neil Bonnett (1983-84), Ken Schrader (1989-90) and Tony Stewart (2001-02).