Daytona Beach, FL (Sports Network) - Next year's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona
will have a new format. NASCAR officials announced Tuesday the pre-season,
non-points race at the Daytona International Speedway will feature the top-six
teams from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota, based on the final 2008 car
owner points. The field will no longer be based on the previous year's pole
winners.
The race distance will also increase from 70 to 75 laps on the 2.5-mile tri-
oval. The race will consist of two segments, 25 and 50 laps. A 10-minute pit
stop between segments will allow crews to work on cars and perform functions
they would normally do during a regular pit spot in a Sprint Cup Series event.
Changing of springs, shocks absorbers or rear-ends will not be permitted.
Starting positions will again be determined by a blind draw. The Budweiser
Shootout at Daytona is scheduled for February, 7, 2009.