$1 million on line in new format of Monster Energy All-Star race

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The winner of the Monster Energy All-Star race will take home the prize of $1 million.

NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway announced a new format that will reward winning and add a strategic component for its race on May 20.

The race arrangement includes four stages: three 20-lap stages and a 10-lap stage, totaling 70 laps.      The winner of each of the first three stages will lock up a spot in the final stage, as long as the drivers remain on the lead lap after the third stage.

The cars with the best average finish in the first three stages will make up the remaining spots needed to fill the 10-car final stage.

The remaining 10 cars will be lined up by average finish of the first three stages and given the option to pit. Exit off pit road determines starting order for final stage.

Drivers who have clinched position in the all-star race: Chris Buescher, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman and Martin Truex Jr.

That night, Charlotte will honor the 25th anniversary of “One Hot Night,” which was the first non-points all-star race under the lights.

Since then, it’s been a tradition.

"The Monster Energy All-Star Race is designed to be fun for fans, showcasing the best drivers and race teams in NASCAR," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. "With the effort that Goodyear has put into this race with multiple tire compounds, I am excited to see how the stages play out, especially the final 10-car, 10-lap sprint to the checkered flag."

Cox Media Group