Only twice in the history of the All-Star Race has NASCAR held the event at a track other than the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Both of those times a driver named Elliott has won the race.

The first All-Star Race in the Cup Series was held in 1985 at Charlotte. In 1986 the race was held at Atlanta Motor Speedway and was won by Bill Elliott. From 1987 to 2019 the race took place at Charlotte.

The 2020 NASCAR All-Star Open and All-Star Race was moved to the short track of Bristol Motor Speedway. Drivers that have won a points race in 2019 or 2020 were eligible for the race. Previous All-Star Race winners were eligible. Previous Cup Series Champions were eligible. Four more drivers had the chance to make the main event during the All-Star Open.

In the All-Star Open Aric Almirola was the winner of stage 1. William Byron won stage 2. Matt DiBenedetto was the winner of stage 3 and therefore the race. These three drivers earned their spots in the All-Star Race as a result of their wins in the qualifying race. Clint Bowyer was the winner of the Fan Vote and also advanced to the All-Star Race.

When it was time for NASCAR to go short trackin’ for one million dollars I expected it to be non-stop beating and banging. However, I was wrong. Yes there was some bumper to bumper and side to side action. It was very minimal though.

There were only five caution periods with three of those being at the conclusion of the first three stages of the race. Ryan Blaney led the most laps in the 140 lap race with 72 laps as the leader. He was out front to win stage one of the race.

Chase Elliott was able to show he had the speed and ability to be out front when it counted. He was the winner of stages two and three. He was also the leader during all 15 laps of the fourth and final stage to win the race and claim the one million dollar payday!

Winning this race after his father won the 1986 All-Star Race makes the Chase and Bill the second father-son duo to win All-Star Races in NASCAR history. Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. were the first father and son to do this.

Of course none of this has any bearing on this year’s championship. The race win simply gives Chase a huge payday and bragging rights. In just days the drivers and teams get back to racing for points and a championship.

This Sunday, July 19th the NASCAR Cup Series races in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.

By: Buck Stevens