It's unique. It's exciting. It's the 2011 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race 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 • 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 • Teams start the first of two 20 lap segments • Teams can opt to pit under yellow follwing this segment • Only green-flag laps are counted • Top two finishers earn a berth in the All-Star Race • 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 • 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 race track on Lap 25 • Caution flag waves at the end of the segment for an optional pit stop • Another caution waves at the end of the segment for an optional pit stop • 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 • Only green-flag laps are counted • The winner receives $1,000,000