Bud Shootout Is Now The Sprint Unlimited

The race formerly known as the Budweiser Shootout is now The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona. 

Sprint announced today that it has partnered with Daytona International Speedway to sponsor The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona, kicking off the stock car portion of Budweiser Speedweeks 2013 and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. 

The race will once again be held under the lights on Saturday night, Feb. 16 and will feature several new elements. Fans in attendance will be eligible to receive special upgraded race experiences from Sprint including roles as Grand Marshal, Honorary Starter, and trophy presenter. Fans can also help deliver the trophy to Gatorade Victory Lane or participate in driver introductions during pre-race ceremonies.  

“Sprint is entering its 10th season as title sponsor of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series,” said Steve Gaffney, vice president of marketing for Sprint. “From the outset, we promised unprecedented access for race fans, and each year we challenge ourselves to honor that commitment in innovative ways. Thanks to the strength of our partnership with NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway, we have designed The Sprint Unlimited so that fans play a major role in all aspects of the event. It is the ideal way to start this milestone season, and we look forward to sharing all of the details later this month.” 

The Sprint Unlimited will mark the competitive debut for the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race car, dubbed “Gen 6.” The new-look cars highlight greater brand identity for the manufacturers and are expected to be more competitive, as well. 

“We are also excited for the debut of the new Sprint Cup Series car, which we believe will provide thrilling on-track action and make The Sprint Unlimited an unforgettable launch to the 2013 season,” said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. “Now more than ever, through our growing partnership with Sprint, The Sprint Unlimited will be the fans’ race. We look forward to hearing about additional unique elements for this race in the coming weeks.” 

The format for setting the Sprint Unlimited starting field event will return to its roots for 2013. The field will consist of pole winners from the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and past winners of The Sprint Unlimited who attempted to qualify for at least one race during the 2012 season.  

The field for The Sprint Unlimited is currently at 22 drivers and features a who’s who of NASCAR stars. Eligible 2012 Pole Winners include Greg Biffle, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Martin Truex Jr., Tony Stewart, AJ Allmendinger, Aric Almirola, Joey Logano, Marcos Ambrose, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya. Eligible as past champions of The Sprint Unlimited are Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Bill Elliott, Terry Labonte and Ken Schrader. 

Tickets for The Sprint Unlimited start at $39 and are available for purchase at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Children 12 and under are free in general admission grandstands and the Sprint FANZONE.