Harvick wins the Sprint Unlimited: #29-Harvick led 40 of 75 laps and won the Sprint Unlimited Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway for his third event win, winning $205,075. #16-Biffle finished 2nd followed by #22-Logano, #14-Stewart and #20-Kenseth. Fans had until the start of the second segment to vote for the number of cars that will be eliminated after the 25-lap second segment. The four choices were none, two, four or six. The fans chose not to eliminate any cars.
Fans voted up to the start of the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway for the type of pit stop each team must make after the 30-lap first segment. The three choices were a required four-tire pit stop (63% of the vote), a required two-tire pit stop (17%) or no stop at all (20%) at the completion of the first segment. The fans chose a required four-tire pit stop at the end of the 30 lap segment 1. On Lap 15, #14-Stewart, was running 2nd, came down to get in front of #9-Ambrose, sending #9 up the track a bit and the #14 hitting the apron, but both drove on at speed. #11-Hamlin got into the #48-Johnson car, send both into the outside wall, collecting #55-Martin, #78-Busch, #18-Busch, #24-Gordon and #56-Truex Jr. Only Truex Jr. was able to stay in the race.
For race results see the Sprint Unlimited Race Results (pdf).(2-16-2013)

Harvick blocks Biffle to win The Sprint Unlimited: Leading every lap but one in the final segment of The Sprint Unlimited, Kevin Harvick held off Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart to win Saturday night's season-opening exhibition race at Daytona International Speedway for the third time. On the last lap, in the debut race for NASCAR's Gen-6 race car, Harvick blocked Stewart on the inside and moved back up the track to block Biffle, who was perilously close to sending Harvick's No. 29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet into the fence. Biffle ran second, Joey Logano took third, and Stewart -- his momentum broken by Harvick's block -- came home fourth. Matt Kenseth finished fifth in his first competition for Joe Gibbs Racing. An incident-free 25-lap second segment, won by Harvick over Biffle, set the starting order for the final 20-lap dash for the victory. By the end of the segment both Carl Edwards and Dale Earnhardt Jr. had lost touch with the 10-car pack ahead of them, but a caution between the second and final segments bunched the field for a restart on Lap 56 of 75.
The first segment, on the other hand, featured plenty of action. On Lap 15, the halfway point, a nine-car incident ruined the winning chances of nearly a third of the field. Tony Stewart turned down across the nose of Marcos Ambrose's Ford near the apex of Turns 1 and 2. Stewart saved his #14 Chevrolet, but drivers behind him checked up, seeing sparks trailing from the rear of Stewart's car. The ensuing wreck destroyed the cars of Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. Martin Truex Jr.'s Toyota was nicked in the melee, but he was able to continue, as were Stewart and Ambrose.
In fact, Stewart's car was fast to enough to take the lead on the final lap of the first segment, and he held it to the finish line. During the planned caution between the first and second segments, the 12 remaining cars came to pit road for mandatory four-tire stops -- a requirement dictated by a fan vote.
Fans voted to set the starting lineup for the race according to the chronological order in which drivers won their poles. That put 2012 Daytona 500 pole winner Edwards in the top starting spot and Martin, winner of the pole at Phoenix the following week, on the outside of the front row.
Both Edwards and Martin, however, had to drop to the rear for the start, because neither driver practiced in his backup car after a wreck in Friday's opening Sprint Unlimited practice forced a change of equipment. Accordingly, Kasey Kahne led the field to green, with Biffle beside him.(NASCAR Wire Service)(2-16-2013)

Harvick wins the Sprint Unlimited: #29-Harvick led 40 of 75 laps and won the Sprint Unlimited Sprint CUp Series race at Daytona International Speedway for his third event win. #16-Biffle finsihed 2nd followed by #22-Logano.
FINAL results:
1) #29-Harvick, 75 laps run, 40 laps led, $205,075
2) #16-Biffle, 75, 2, $101,325
3) #22-Logano, 75, $61,325
4) #14-Stewart, 75, 5, $52,325
5) #20-Kenseth, 75, 26, $51,300
6) #43-Almirola, 75, $49,900
7) #5-Kahne, 75, $48,550
8) #88-Eanrhardt Jt., 75, $46,525
9) #56-Truex Jr., 75, 2, $44,525
10) #42-Montoya, 75, $43,025
11) #9-Ambrose, 75, $42,525
12) #99-Edwards, 75, 1, $42,025
13) #78-Busch, 17, accident, $41,525
14) #48-Johnson, 15, accident, $40,025
15) #11-Hamlin, 15, accident, $39,525
16) #18-Busch, 15, accident, $39,025
17) #24-Gordon, 15, accident, $36,525
18) #55-Martin, 15, accident, $34,525
19) #32-Labonte, 3, out, $31,499

Harvick wins segment 2 - Lap 55/75: #29-Harvick led most of the segment 2 laps and won the segment followed by #16-Biffle and #22-Logano. #14-Stewart and #88-Earnhardt Jr. made some contact and the #88 had some damage to the left rear. During the pitstop the team looked at the problem plus Earnhardt said the engine feels a little sick but hasn't lost any power.
The results of segment 2:
1) #29-Harvick, 21 laps led
2) #16-Biffle, 2
3) #22-Logano
4) #14-Stewart, 5
5) #56-Truex Jr., 2
6) #20-Kenseth, 25
7) #9-Ambrose
8) #5-Kahne
9) #42-Montoya
10) #43-Almirola
11) #99-Edwards
12) #88-Eanrhardt Jt.
13) #78-Busch, 17, accident
14) #48-Johnson, 15, accident
15) #11-Hamlin, 15, accident
16) #18-Busch, 15, accident
17) #24-Gordon, 15, accident
18) #55-Martin, 15, accident
19) #32-Labonte, 3, out

Fans choose to eliminate ZERO cars: Fans had until the start of the second segment to vote for the number of cars that will be eliminated after the 25-lap second segment. The four choices were none, two, four or six. The fans chose not to eliminate any cars.(2-16-2013)

Stewart wins segment 1 - Lap 30/75: #14-Stewart won segment 1 lf the Sprint Unlimited Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway followed by #20-Kenseth. The fan votes for a required 4-tire pit stop. #29-Harvick led the charge off pit road with #14-Stewart in 2nd then #5-Kahne.
On Lap 15, #14-Stewart, was running 2nd, came down to get in front of #9-Ambrose, sending #9 up the track a bit and the #14 hitting the apron, but both drove on at speed. #11-Hamlin got into the #48-Johnson car, send both into the outside wall, collecting #55-Martin, #78-Busch, #18-Busch, #24-Gordon and #56-Truex Jr. Only Truex Jr. was able to stay in the race.
The results of segment 1:
1) #14-Stewart
2) #20-Kenseth
3) #29-Harvick
4) #99-Edwards
5) #5-Kahne
6) #16-Biffle
7) #56-Truex Jr,
8) #42-Montoya
9) #43-Almirola
10) #22-Logano
11) #9-Ambrose
12) #88-Eanrhardt Jt.
13) #78-Busch, 17, accident
14) #48-Johnson, 15, accident
15) #11-Hamlin, 15, accident
16) #18-Busch, 15, accident
17) #24-Gordon, 15, accident
18) #55-Martin, 15, accident
19) #32-Labonte, 3, out

Fans choose four tire pit stop: Fans voted up to the start of the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway for the type of pit stop each team must make after the 30-lap first segment. The three choices were a required four-tire pit stop (63% of the vote), a required two-tire pit stop (17%) or no stop at all (20%) at the completion of the first segment. The fans chose a required four-tire pit stop at the end of the 30 lap segment 1.(2-16-2013)

Edwards to start first: Race fans had the final voice in selecting the starting lineup for The Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night, Feb. 16. The fans had three choices:
1) Number of career wins (most to least)
2) 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final driver point standings
3) The order of when drivers earned their pole position in 2012 (Daytona 500 first place  Homestead-Miami Speedway Ford 400 last place)
And fans chose the third option, so #99-Edwards will start on the pole followed by #55-Mark Martin.
The Lineup:
1) #99-Carl Edwards (X) - 2012 Daytona 500 pole
2) #55-Mark Martin (X) - Phoenix pole
3) #5-Kasey Kahne - Las Vegas pole
4) #16-Greg Biffle - Bristol pole
5) #11-Denny Hamlin - Auto Club pole
6) #56-Martin Truex Jr. - Texas pole
7) #24-Jeff Gordon - Talladega pole
8) #43-Aric Almirola - Charlotte pole
9) #22-Joey Logano - Pocono pole
10) #9-Marcos Ambrose - Michigan pole
11) #48-Jimmie Johnson - Kentucky pole
12) #20-Matt Kenseth - Daytona - July pole
13) #18-Kyle Busch - New Hampshire pole
14) #42-Juan Pablo Montoya - Pocono pole
15) #14-Tony Stewart - Atlanta pole
16) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Richmond pole
17) #29-Kevin Harvick (won event 2009-2010)
18) #78-Kurt Busch (X)(won event 2011)
19) #32-Terry Labonte (won event 1985)
NOTE: (X) three cars confirmed to the rear before the drop of the green flag: #99-Edwards (backup); #55-Martin (backup); #78-Busch (backup); looks like #5-Kahne (transmission change) will keep his spot.
Also see the Sprint Unlimited Starting Lineup (pdf).(2-16-2013)

Sprint Unlimited Pit Stall Selections

Fans [in attendance] to decide the Sprint Unlimited Starting Lineup Order: Race fans will have the final voice in selecting the starting lineup for The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona on Saturday night, Feb. 16 under the lights at Daytona International Speedway. Race fans will have three options to determine the order that the drivers will line up for the fan favorite, star-studded race.
1) Number of career wins (most to least)
2) 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series final driver point standings
3) The order of when drivers earned their pole position in 2012 (Daytona 500 first place  Homestead-Miami Speedway Ford 400 last place)
To participate, fans can cast their vote through a digital app at one of four Daytona Rewards Stations on Daytona International Speedway property or through texting.
The Daytona Rewards Stations will be located in the Midway, Sprint FANZONE, DIS Ticket & Tours Building and at the Gate 8 Pedestrian Bridge. Texting information on how to vote will be promoted throughout the day to race fans on property at the "World Center of Racing." Voting for the starting lineup will take place on Saturday only from 9:30 am  4:00pm/et.
In addition to voting on the starting lineup, fans in attendance will be eligible to receive special upgraded race experiences 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.
Prior to The Sprint Unlimited, race fans will be able to shape the race by voting on race elements such as length of each race segment, type of team pit stop after first segment, how many cars will be eliminated after the second segment and the type of fire suit Miss Sprint Cup will wear. Fans can vote at NASCAR.com/sprintunlimited or on the NASCAR Mobile '13 app; voting on the format of the race will end at 11:59 pm/et Feb. 13 while voting for the other categories close during different stages of the race.
The format for selecting The Sprint Unlimited field of drivers is returning to its roots. The eligible field of drivers will consist of pole winners from the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and past winners of The Sprint Unlimited who have attempted to qualify for at least one race during the 2012 season. The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona is scheduled 8:00pm/et live on FOX and MRN Radio. Tickets for The Sprint Unlimited 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.(DIS)(2-12-2013)

Happy Hour practice: for the Sprint Unlimited Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over after 60 minutes of practice. #11-Hamlin was the fastest at 196.053mph (drafting) followed by #22-Loga##29-Harvick, #16-Biffle, #43-Almirola, #42-Montoya, #5-Kahne, #9-AMbrose, #18-Busch, #32-Labonte, #24-Gordon and #48-Johnson. Only those 12 cars of the 19 cars ran Happy Hour practice. The three drivers in backup cars didn't practice: #55-Martin, #78-Busch and #99-Edwards as well as #14-Stewart, #20-Kenseth, #56-Truex Jr. and #88-Earnhardt Jr. The #5 team changed a transmission between the practice sessions.
See fastest speeds, laps run, ten-lap averages on the Sprint Unlimited Happy Hour Practice page (pdf)(2-15-2013)

First practice: for the Sprint Unlimited Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway is over after 60 minutes of practice. #29-Harvick is the fastest at 197.364mph (drafting) followed by #43-Almirola, #16-Biffle, #5-Kahne and #56-Truex Jr. #48-Johnson was slowest but only made single car runs. About nine minutes into the practice there was about a 8-10 car pack. #20-Kenseth came down and into #78-Busch, collecting #55-Martin, #99-Edwards and #42-Montoya. #99, #78 and #55 will go to backup cars. #20 & #42 teams are making repairs.
See fastest speeds, laps run, ten-lap averages on the Sprint Unlimited First Practice page (pdf)(2-15-2013)

Race Coverage of the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for Saturday, February 16, 2013.
TV: FOX at 8:10pm/et; pre-race show at 8:00pm/et; green flag scheduled for 8:29pm/et.
Radio: MRN Radio and Sirius XM Satellite NASCAR Radio
Re-Air: Sunday, February 17 at 5:00pm/et on SPEED

Qualifying: the starting lineup will be decided by the fans in attendence at Daytona International Speedway on the day of the race

The Sprint Unlimited practice: Friday, February 15, 5:00 - 5:45pm/et, TV-SPEED

The Sprint Unlimited Happy Hour practice: Friday, February 15, 6:30 -7:30pm/et, TV-SPEED

Distance: 75 laps/187.5 miles (30 laps in first segment; 25 laps in second segment, 20 laps in the final segment).

Race Festivities/Officials:
Grand Marshals: Sprint Fan Charles Young (Contest Winner)
Command to start engines: Charles Young
Honorary Starter/Wave Green Flag: TBA
Invocation: Sonny Gallman, Central Baptist Church, Daytona Beach, FL
National Anthem: Melissa TenBroeck
Military Flyover: none

Fan Vote has determined the Sprint Unlimited format: A few short hours after voting closed, the annual NASCAR Media Day opened. The first announcement of the day: Fans have decided the race format for The Sprint Unlimited, Saturday night's season-opening event. In voting that closed last night at 11:59pm/et, fans voted on the first component  the length of the race's three segments  to be set at 30 laps, 25 laps and 20 laps. For the first time in the sport's 65-year history, NASCAR and Sprint announced last month that fans would vote to decide several key competition elements in The Sprint Unlimited at Daytona.
The winning combination for the segment lengths received 55% of the votes, while the option for 40 laps, 20 laps and 15 laps finished second with 23%. In last place, the format consisting of 35 laps, 30 laps and 10 laps finished with 22% of the votes.
"By giving the fans the power to decide the length of the three segments in the Sprint Unlimited, we feel there will be an unprecedented buzz surrounding the event," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. "The 30-25-20-lap format the fans voted for will create three distinctly different segments that will keep fans enthralled throughout the race."
Fans still have an opportunity to vote on two other competition elements during Saturday night's race:
1) Fans have until the green flag drops at the start of the race to vote for the type of pit stop each team must make after the 30-lap first segment. The three choices are a required four-tire pit stop, a required two-tire pit stop or no stop at all at the completion of the first segment.
2) Fans also have until the start of the second segment to vote for the number of cars that will be eliminated after the 25-lap second segment. The four choices are none, two, four or six.
Votes for the remaining two categories can be cast on NASCAR's new official mobile app  NASCAR Mobile '13  or at NASCAR.com/SprintUnlimited. All votes made through the NASCAR Mobile '13 app will count twice.(NASCAR)(2-13-2013)

Fans get to vote on Sprint Unlimited rules: For the first time in NASCAR history, fans will decide the Race Format, Pit Stops, Elimination and Miss Sprint Cup's Fire Suit in The Sprint Unlimited. More info at NASCAR.com.(1-21-2013)
AND The starting lineup will be determined by fans at the track on race day. Their choices will be by 2012 owner points, practice speeds or car number.(Sporting News)(1-21-2013)

Vegas Insider
Race and Champisonship odds
NASCAR Top-Five Finish Prediction

Bovada Sportsbook:
Sprint Unlimited and Daytona 500 odds

Tire:
Goodyear Eagle Superspeedway Radials (Sprint Cup and Nationwide);
Goodyear Wrangler Superspeedway Radials (Camping World Truck)

Number of Tires:
Sprint Cup (total): Left-side -- 1,400, Right-side -- 1,400;
Nationwide: Left-side -- 475, Right-side -- 475;
Camping World Truck: Left-side -- 300, Right-side -- 300

Set limits:
Sprint Unlimited: 6 sets for the event;
Daytona 500: 10 sets for practice/qualifying/Duels; 10 sets for the race;
Nationwide: 6 sets for the event;
Camping World Truck: 4 sets for the event

Tire Codes: Left-side -- D-4138; Right-side -- D-4412

Tire Circumference: Left-side -- 87.9 in. (2,233 mm); Right-side -- 88.4 in. (2,247 mm)

Technical Inspection Inflation:
Left Front -- 30 psi; Left Rear -- 30 psi;
Right Front -- 55 psi; Right Rear -- 50 psi

Minimum Recommended Inflation:
Left Front -- 27 psi; Left Rear -- 27 psi
; Right Front -- 50 psi; Right Rear -- 48 psi

Notes: Teams in all three NASCAR series will run the same tire codes at Daytona, though the Sprint Cup and Nationwide tires will be branded "Goodyear Eagle," while the Camping World truck tires will be branded "Goodyear Wrangler" . . . this is the same combination of left- and right-side tires that teams in all three of these series ran at both Daytona and Talladega the last two seasons . . . this left-side code (D-4138) has been run by Sprint Cup teams at Talladega since 2009 . . . as on all NASCAR ovals greater than one mile in length, teams are required to run inner liners in all four tire positions at Daytona . . . air pressure in those inner liners should be 12-25 psi greater than that of the outer tire.

Goodyear Blimp: Goodyear's "Spirit of Innovation" airship, based out of Pompano Beach, Fla., will be in the air over Daytona International Speedway throughout Speedweeks . . . it will be in the Daytona Beach area on February 16-17 and again February 20-24, with a short trip to the Orlando area in between.

Chassis selections for the Sprint Unlimited: see the list of many teams and what chassis were selected by the team to run in the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway:
MISSING? why are some teams missing? some teams do not report what chassis in the race previews, press releases of websites.
#5-Kasey Kahne: Crew chief Kenny Francis and the #5 team will unload Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 5-636 for the Feb. 16 Sprint Unlimited event. Kahne last raced this chassis at Daytona's exhibition event last February, where he finished 13th.
#14-Tony Stewart: After a two-year hiatus, Chassis No. 14-532 returns to action in the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona. While this car was tested at Daytona Jan. 10-12, it was the first time Chassis No. 14-532 had been on a racetrack since the 2011 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, where it started second and led four laps before finishing 11th. It has served as a backup ever since, but was totally rebuilt this offseason. This car debuted in February 2009 during Daytona Speedweeks where it served as the team's primary machine for the Daytona 500. After clocking the 10th-quickest time during time trials, Chassis No. 14-532's first race of any kind was the Gatorade Duel qualifying race. There, it started sixth and led two laps before finishing second to race-winner Jeff Gordon. But during final practice before the season-opening Daytona 500, Chassis No. 14-532 was caught up in an accident. With the damage too significant to fix at the track, the team was forced to use a backup racecar for the Daytona 500. Fully repaired, Chassis No. 14-532 returned to action in April at Talladega for its first career, point-paying start. There, it qualified 29th and finished 23rd. But those numbers weren't indicative of the car's performance, for Stewart was able to use Chassis No. 14-532 to climb to as high as second before engine woes dropped Stewart from eighth to 23rd in the race's last three laps. The Coke Zero 400 at Daytona marked the car's third career start, and it was a dandy. It started first when qualifying was rained-out and the field was set by car owner points. It then went on to lead nine times for a race-high 86 laps en route to victory. Chassis No. 14-532 was used in the final restrictor-plate race of the 2009 season at Talladega, where it was caught up in a late-race accident and finished 35th, delivering Stewart's first DNF (Did Not Finish) in 55 races. With a new body honed in the wind tunnel, it served as a backup for most of 2010 until reappearing at Talladega in October. It ran well but was handed a poor finish when it was caught up in a last-lap crash that turned a top-10 effort into a 31st-place result. With new front and rear clips, as well as a new body, Chassis No. 14-532 reappeared in the 2011 Budweiser Shootout.
#22-Joey Logano and his Todd Gordon-led Penske Racing #22 Team will be utilizing the "651" Shell-Pennzoil Ford in this weekend's Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway. The chassis is brand new for 20013 and did not test at Daytona in January
#29-Kevin Harvick: will pilot Chassis No.387 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable in the Sprint Unlimited. This Budweiser Chevy has seen significant superspeedway track time making laps at Daytona International Speedway last February and at Talladega Superspeedway in October 2012. The 2013 Sprint Unlimited will mark Harvick's ninth appearance in the pre-season, non-points paying event. During his first eight entries, Harvick has earned two wins (2009 & 2010), four top-five and six top-10 finishes.
#48-Jimmie Johnson: Chassis No. 764 serves as the primary for Johnson in the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway, a brand new chassis. Chassis No. 618 serves as the backup and finished 14th in last years event and 4th in the 2011 event..
#55-Mark Martin: will drive MWR chassis 747 in the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway.
#88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.: For the Feb. 16 Sprint Unlimited, crew chief Steve Letarte and the #88 engineers have chosen Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 88-756, which will be adorned with the blue National Guard paint scheme. This is a brand new chassis that has not been raced.
#99-Carl Edwards the #99 Fastenal team will be bringing chassis RK-835 to the track this weekend for the Sprint Unlimited at Daytona International Speedway. Edwards will make his seventh start in the Sprint Unlimited Saturday night. His best finish to date is seventh in 2009. He has led 54 laps in his previous six starts. Edwards' average start at Daytona International Speedway is 16.2; his average finish is 16.6. Edwards' best finish at Daytona is second place, captured in 2011 500 (and in July 2008).(from team PR's/sites if reported)(2-14-2013)

By the Numbers: The Sprint Unlimited:
.013  Margin of victory in seconds by Kyle Busch over Tony Stewart in 2012, the closest margin in Sprint Unlimited history
.058  Margin of victory in seconds by Kurt Busch over Jamie McMurray in 2011, the second closest margin in Sprint Unlimited history
.08  Margin of victory in seconds by Dale Earnhardt over Sterling Marlin in 1995, the third closest margin in Sprint Unlimited history
1  Laps led by Rusty Wallace (1998), Neil Bonnett (1983-84), Dale Earnhardt (1980), Dale Jarrett (2000 and 2004) and Kevin Harvick (2009) in The Sprint Unlimited races they won
2  The starting position that has produced the most Sprint Unlimited wins (five).
2.75  Average finish by Dale Earnhardt, best by any driver with multiple starts
5  Drivers who have won the event in their first appearance (Buddy Baker, 1979; Dale Earnhardt, 1980; Jeff Gordon, 1994; Dale Jarrett, 1996; Denny Hamlin, 2006)
6  Number of Sprint Unlimited wins by Dale Earnhardt, the series leader
7  Number of fewest starters in the field for The Sprint Unlimited (1981)
11  Number of starts before winning, most since race began in 1979 (Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin)
14  Number of different leaders in the 2009 event, most since race began in 1979
19  Number of wins by Chevrolet in The Sprint Unlimited, leads all manufacturers
20  Most consecutive starts in The Sprint Unlimited by Mark Martin (1989-2008)
27  Kevin Harvick's starting position in 2009, the lowest by a race winner in the event's history
28  Number of lead changes in the 2011 event, highest number since race began in 1979
44  Laps led by Greg Biffle in 2005, the most by a driver who did not win the event
47  Laps led by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2008, the most in a single Sprint Unlimited
124.095 mph  The slowest average speed of the race for The Sprint Unlimited was last season's event won by Kyle Busch.
197.802 mph  The fastest average speed of the race for The Sprint Unlimited was in 1987 won by Bill Elliott.
(NASCAR)(2-12-2013)

The Sprint Unlimited Manufacturer Recap:
Manufacturer, Victories, Last Victory - Driver
Chevrolet, 19, 2010  Kevin Harvick
Ford, 7, 2004  Dale Jarrett
Buick, 2, 1982  Bobby Allison
Oldsmobile, 2, 1980  Dale Earnhardt
Pontiac, 2, 2002  Tony Stewart
Dodge, 1, 2011  Kurt Busch
Toyota, 1, 2012  Kyle Busch

The Sprint Unlimited Tidbits:
· The number of participants has ranged from a low of seven in 1981 to a high of 28 in 2009 (19 are scheduled to compete in this year's event).
· The drivers with the most Sprint Unlimited appearances:
o Bill Elliott (23)
o Mark Martin (23)
o Rusty Wallace (19)
o Ken Schrader (19)
o Jeff Gordon (19)
· Mark Martin had appeared in the most consecutive Sprint Unlimited races, competing in 20 consecutive events from 1989-2008. With his start in this year's race, Jeff Gordon, who currently has 19 consecutive starts in the event, will tie that mark.
· There have been eight multiple winners in The Sprint Unlimited:
o Tony Stewart has won three (2001, 2002 and 2007).
o Dale Earnhardt won six events, most all-time (1980, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1995).
o Dale Jarrett won in 1996, 2000 and 2004.
o Other multiple winners: Neil Bonnett (1983-1984), Ken Schrader, (1989-1990), Jeff Gordon (1994 and 1997), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2003 and 2008) and Kevin Harvick (2009-2010).
o Bonnett, Schrader, Stewart and Harvick are the only drivers to win back-to-back races. No driver has ever won three consecutive Sprint Unlimited races.
· Buddy Baker (1979), Dale Earnhardt (1980), Jeff Gordon (1994), Dale Jarrett (1996) and Denny Hamlin (2006) all won the first Sprint Unlimited in which they competed.
· Only five times in the 32-year history of the race has the winner gone on to win the Daytona 500:
Bobby Allison (1982)
Bill Elliott (1987)
Dale Jarrett (1996 and 2000)
Jeff Gordon (1997) · There have been three winners from the pole: Darrell Waltrip (1981), Bill Elliott (1987) and Ken Schrader (1989).
· Two drivers have swept The Sprint Unlimited, Daytona 500 pole and Daytona 500 from 1979-2012: Dale Jarrett (2000) and Bill Elliott (1987)
· One driver has swept The Sprint Unlimited, Daytona 500 and the Coke Zero 400 from 1979-2012: Bobby Allison (1982).
· Seven drivers have won The Sprint Unlimited (1979-2012) and the same season's championship. Dale Earnhardt is the only one to have accomplished it multiple times  four times.
Tony Stewart (2002)
Jeff Gordon (1997)
Dale Earnhardt (1993)
Dale Earnhardt (1991)
Dale Earnhardt (1986)
Darrell Waltrip (1981)
Dale Earnhardt (1980)
· Four drivers have won consecutive Sprint Unlimited races (1979-2012). None went on to win that year's Daytona 500.
Kevin Harvick (2009-10)
Tony Stewart (2000-01)
Ken Schrader (1990-91)
Neil Bonnett (1983-84)

Driver change in the #32 for Sprint Unlimited: Terry Labonte will now drive the #32 FAS Lane Racing Ford Fusion Saturday.(FAS Lane Racing), Ken Schrader had been listed as the driver for the #32 in the Sprint Limited at Daytona International Speedway.(2-15-2013)

New name for the Shootout - The Sprint Unlimited: Sprint has partnered with Daytona International Speedway to sponsor The Sprint Unlimited At Daytona, the fan-favorite non-points event formerly known as the Daytona Shootout that traditionally kicks off the stock car portion of Budweiser Speedweeks 2013 and the NASCAR season. The race will once again be held under the lights on Saturday night, Feb. 16 (FOX 8:00pm/et) but will feature several new elements that will make this event even more of a fan favorite. 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."
In addition to the new fan elements, The Sprint Unlimited marks the first time the new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race cars will compete on-track in an event. Dubbed "Gen 6," the new-look sixth generation cars highlight greater brand identity for the manufacturers and are expected to heighten the rivalries among drivers and manufacturers. "Now more than ever, through our growing partnership with Sprint, The Sprint Unlimited will be the fans' race," said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III. "Sprint has been a great partner with Daytona and NASCAR, and they continue to raise the bar by engaging race fans in new and innovative ways. We look forward to hearing about additional unique elements for this race in the coming weeks. 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."
As announced earlier in the year, the format for selecting the field of drivers in the invitation-only event will return to its roots for 2013. The eligible field of drivers will consist of pole winners from the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and past winners of The Sprint Unlimited who have attempted to qualify for at least one race during the 2012 season.
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.(DIS)(1-7-2013)

The field for The Sprint Unlimited is currently at 22 drivers and features a who's who of NASCAR stars.:
2012 Pole Winners:
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 Loga#Marcos Ambrose, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya.
Past champions of The Sprint Unlimited:
Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Bill Elliott, Terry Labonte, Ken Schrader.(DIS)(1-7-2013)

Keselowski, Bowyer not elgible for shootout: There's a saying in racing that it's not where you start, it's where you finish. But that doesn't necessarily ring true for NASCAR's preseason exhibition race at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR decided prior to the start of the 2012 season to go back to its traditional eligibility requirements for the Shootout  pole winners from the previous year and past Shootout winners. That means the top two drivers in the 2012 standings  #2-Brad Keselowski and #15-Clint Bowyer  aren't on the list of 22 drivers eligible for the 2013 event. Not since 2004, when 2003 champion Matt Kenseth did not win a pole, has the Shootout been run without the previous year's Cup champion. The event used to be sponsored by Budweiser, which originally had also sponsored NASCAR's pole award. When Coors took over the pole award sponsorship in 2009, the eligibility rules changed and continued to change annually. A new sponsor and a new format for the Feb. 16 event are expected to be announced soon.(Sporting News)(12-7-2012)

No poles for first two drivers in points, 1st time ever: For the first time in the history of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, both the champion and second in points failed to win a pole during the season. Neither #2-Brad Keselowski nor #15-Clint Bowyer won a pole in 2012. Keselowski is the eighth driver to win the championship without scoring a pole. The last was Matt Kenseth in 2003.(11-19-2012)

Eligibility requirements for next season's Sprint Limited returns to its roots with the field consisting of pole winners and past event winners who have attempted to qualify for at least one race during the 2012 season.
2012 Pole Winners:
1) Mark Martin (4 poles)
2) Kasey Kahne (4)
3) Jimmie Johnson (4)(WON 2 races from pole)
4) Greg Biffle (3)
5) Denny Hamlin (3)
6) Joey Logano (2)(WON a race from pole)
7) Aric Almirola (2)
8) Juan Pablo Montoya (2)
9) Jeff Gordon (2)
10) Carl Edwards
11) Martin Truex Jr.
12) A.J. Allmendinger
13) Marcos Ambrose
14) Matt Kenseth
15) Kyle Busch (2)(won race 2012)
16) Tony Stewart (won race 2001, 2002, 2007)
17) Dale Earnhardt Jr. (won race 2008)
Past Shootout champions (no 2012 pole):
18) Kurt Busch
19) Kevin Harvick
20) Bill Elliott
21) Terry Labonte
22) Ken Schrader
The stars of NASCAR return to Daytona International Speedway on July 6-7, 2012. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, featuring a special hour-long pre-race concert by multiplatinum, Grammy-winning superstars Train, and the Subway Jalapeno 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

No more Budweiser Shootout BUT the will have the Budweiser Duel UPDATE: Budweiser and Daytona International Speedway announced the beer brand will take on an enhanced role in NASCAR's season opening festivities. Beginning with the 2013 season, Budweiser will become the official title sponsor of Speedweeks the ten-day stretch of stock-car races from the Shootout to the Daytona 500. Budweiser also will secure entitlement of the Budweiser Duel at Daytona, two 150-mile qualifying races that determine the starting lineup for the Daytona 500. These enhancements to Budweiser's partnership with DIS will replace the brand's existing entitlement of the season-opening, non-points Shootout.
"Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway marks the official start of the NASCAR season, and the opportunity to expand our presence throughout the ten-day event puts Budweiser even more in the thick of it all," said Brad Brown, vice president of sports & entertainment marketing, Anheuser-Busch. "The Shootout has been an important element of our NASCAR program for 34 years, but this opportunity to enhance our partnership makes Budweiser even more relevant to our consumers as well as the fans of the Daytona 500."
As part of the sponsorship, Budweiser will also receive the presenting sponsorship of the Daytona 500 pre-race broadcast show. The brand will also receive increased access for consumer hospitality events, including naming rights to the 5th Turn hospitality area throughout Speedweeks. "Budweiser is the longest running active partner with Daytona International Speedway and we are incredibly excited to enter this new chapter with them in 2013," said Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood. "The opportunities created by this enhanced partnership are compelling and our fans will benefit the most. The intensity and fun atmosphere that Budweiser brought to the Shootout for so many years will be taken up several notches as they assume a much broader role during Speedweeks and 'The Great American Race.' "(Daytona International Speedway)(2-24-2012)
UPDATE: The conflicting beer sponsorships led to some awkward eligibility rules over the past few years. Chitwood says he is pursuing several leads for potential title sponsors for the Shootout, but Coors Light is not one of them. Budweiser's exclusivity with the Speedway precludes a rival beer maker from naming the season-opening exhibition race. (NASCAR News Service)(2-25-2012)

Shootout Eligibility Returns To Its Roots For 2013: NASCAR released the eligibility requirements for the 2013 Shootout at Daytona, an announcement that signals a return to the fan-favorite preseason event's roots. Next season's field will consist of 2012 Coors Light Pole winners and past Shootout winners who have attempted to qualify for at least one race during the 2012 season. Eligibility rules for next season's annual non-points race mirror those from 1979-2008, and puts greater emphasis on each weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coors Light Pole qualifying session.
"Fans have expressed their desire to see this event return to its original eligibility rules," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. "We listened and decided it would be best to return to the eligibility rules of years past adding further meaning to pole qualifying for each NASCAR Sprint Cup race." This announcement comes prior to 2012's first qualifying session, adding intrigue to an already important event. Today's fastest qualifier, in addition to winning the pole for next Sunday's Daytona 500, will also earn a spot in next year's Shootout. Two Daytona 500 starting positions will be locked in after today's qualifying session. The fastest two cars in qualifying will sit on the front row. Last night, Kyle Busch won his first Shootout at Daytona, locking up a spot in next year's field. Busch passed defending series champion Tony Stewart in the tri-oval, edging the three-time titlist by a margin of victory of .013 seconds  the closest in Shootout history. Last season, 18 different drivers won a pole (NASCAR).
NOTE: it is being called 'The Shootout', no word if Budweiser will still be the title sponsor for the race.(2-19-2012)

19 drivers are entered in the 2013 Sprint Unlimited:
1) #5-Kasey Kahne. Farmers Insurance Chevy
2) #9-Marcos Ambrose, Ford Stanley Ford
3) #11-Denny Hamlin, FedEx Express Toyota
4) #14-Tony Stewart, Mobil 1-Bass Pro Shops Chevy
5) #16-Greg Biffle, 3M Ford
6) #18-Kyle Busch, M&M's Toyota
7) #20-Matt Kenseth, Dollar General Toyota
8) #22-Joey Loga#Shell Pennzoil Ford
9) #24-Jeff Gordon, Drive to End Hunger Chevy
10) #29-Kevin Harvick, Budweiser Chevy
11) #32-Terry Labonte, CJ Energy Services Ford
12) #42-Juan Pablo, Target Chevy
13) #43-Aric Almirola, Smithfield Ford
14) #48-Jimmie Johnson, Lowe's Yellow Chevy
15) #55-Mark Martin, Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota
16) #56-Martin Truex Jr, NAPA Toyota
17) #78-Kurt Busch, Furniture Row Chevy
18) #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr, National Guard Chevy
19) #99-Carl Edwards, Fastenal Ford
eligible but not entered:
A.J. Allmendinger
Bill Elliott
Ken Schrader [was originally in the #32 but it changed]

Johnson to run special scheme in Shootout: #48-Jimmie Johnson is scheduled to run a throwback Daytona Yellow paint scheme in the Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 16. Daytona Yellow was a paint color used by General Motors in 1969 and 1970, on the Chevelle SS, Camaro SS and Corvette.(Team Lowe's Racing Twitter), see image of the scheme on my #48 Team Schemes page.(12-10-2012)

Wins from the pole in 2012:
#20-Joey Loga#Poco#6/10/2012
#48-Jimmie Johnson, Martinsville, 10/28/2012
#48-Jimmie Johnson, Texas, 11/4/2012

All-time Sprint Unlimited / Budweiser Shootout / The Busch Clash Formats:
1979-1990: 20-lap standard format
1991-1994: 20-lap distance with halftime break at the 10-lap mark with the field inverted.
1995-1996: 20-lap distance with halftime break at the 10-lap mark with field inverted. Starting position awarded to the Nationwide Series pole champion.
1997: 20-lap race with a break at the 10-lap mark with an inversion of the field.
1998-2000: 25-lap qualifying race featuring previous year's second-round qualifiers. Winner advances to the main 25-lap event.
2001-2002: 70-lap race featuring pole winners but also past Budweiser Shootout champions.
2003-2008: Held for the first time under the lights. 70-lap race features halftime break after the first 20 laps.
2009: Distance expanded to 75 laps. The top-six drivers in owner's points from each manufacturer earns a starting berth. A 10-minute halftime break will take place after 25 laps. In addition, each manufacturer will be able to enter a wild card driver.
2010: The field was made up of the 12 drivers who qualifed for the previous year's Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, past NASCAR Sprint Cup champions, past Budweiser Shootout champions, past Daytona 500 and Coke Zero 400 champions and the reigning Rookie of the Year.
2011: The field was made up of the 12 drivers who qualifed for the previous year's Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup,
past NASCAR Sprint Cup champions, past Budweiser Shootout champions, past Daytona 500 and Coke Zero 400 champions & Rookies of the Year of last 10 years.
2012: The field was made up of the 25 drivers who finished in the top 25 in 2011 Drivers Points,
previous winners at Daytona, including the Daytona 500, Coke Zero 400 and Budweiser Shootout events
2013: Renamed the Sprint Unlimited after Budweiser drops the rights. The eligible field of drivers will consist of pole winners from the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season and past winners of The Sprint Unlimited who have attempted to qualify for at least one race during the 2012 season.