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| "Dude, this SUCKS!" |
With Budweiser declining to return as sponsor of the 2013 event, the Shootout will revert to its traditional eligibility standards, with the field once again comprised of Coors Light pole winners from the previous season and former Shootout winners who attempted to qualify for at least one Cup race last season. Neither Sprint Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski nor runner-up Clint Bowyer was able to claim a pole position last season and neither is a past Shootout champion, leaving them on the outside of the preseason classic, looking in.
As a result, the race will run without the reigning series champion for the first time since 2004, when Matt Kenseth failed to earn a spot in the field. A total of 22 drivers are eligible to take part in this year’s Shootout; Carl Edwards, Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin, Mark Martin, Martin Truex, Jr., Jeff Gordon, Aric Almirola, Joey Logano, Marcos Ambrose, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya, Casey Mears, Tony Stewart, AJ Allmendinger, Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kurt Busch, Bill Elliott, Terry Labonte and Geoffrey Bodine. Bodine is not likely to take part, after announcing his retirement from the sport earlier this year.
Daytona International Speedway is expected to announce a new event sponsor and race format in the near future.
Photos: HHP Photo/Alan Marler
Is there a chance that the DIS announcement of the new sponsor and format, could take place in time for 2013? Or is the 2013 line up and format set in stone?
ReplyDeleteWill there be a fan vote to get an unqualified driver into the race?
ReplyDeleteIsn't Kenny Schrader also eligible for this?? As Far as Keselowski and Bowyer whats the big deal? They didn't get a pole they don't deserve to be in Rules are Rules. The Race is for pole winners and former winners of the Shootout. NO ONE else.
ReplyDeleteMark Martin??
ReplyDeleteconsidering all the teams that like to use the shootout as a test session, Bodine could probably get a pretty nice check starting the race and stepping out on the first lap and letting another driver finishing it.
ReplyDeleteThat race and other races will go on and be just as good eithout having the champion or runner up on them. Just like the race will go on without the Sports biggest stars.
ReplyDeleteI fail to see a problem. Didn't we whine and whine about moving away from attaching Shootout qualification to the pole. Are we going to now whine and complain that two drivers are out because we've gotten what we asked for?
ReplyDeleteNo matter how it's don, someone that "should" be in will not be in. I suppose we could let the top 43 vote recipients in.
Lucy, Mark is a past winner of the shootout. 2005 I think it was.
ReplyDeleteLucy, Mark won 4 poles this past season.
ReplyDelete