Reunited with mastermind crew chief Paul Wolfe, the veteran leader’s experience will be in full force during the Monster Energy All-Star Race. With Brad Keselowski behind the wheel, the duo has managed to score a pair of runner-up results in the non-points event, and feel they can better it this year.
“We’ve been so close in the All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600,” Brad said. “We led a ton of laps in the All-Star Race last year, we’ve led in the 600 and have been in position, when little things pop up that have held us back. I feel very confident that we can win either of the two or hopefully both.”
Even though the showdown featuring NASCAR’s very best doesn’t offer the valuable Playoff points, the 25th annual nighttime running of the event does pay out a $1 million award, one that BK has his eyes on.
2017 Monster Energy All-Star Race Setup
Segment 1: 20 Laps
Segment 2: 20 Laps
Segment 3: 20 Laps
Segment 4: 10 Laps
The real strategic plays come in during the final Segment, as the Top 10 running drivers can choose to run an alternate option Goodyear tire compound. Popularized by Formula 1, and proven successful by the IndyCar Series, the green-walled soft tire is estimated by Goodyear to be “half a second faster” per lap until deteriorated. Formulated through the pivotal Drivers’ Council, if deemed a success, the two-tire strategy could be implemented to the 2018 MENCS schedule.
Ever since Brad’s monumental first victory at Talladega in 2009, the driver has been a mainstay in the All-Star race, competing every year since. Locked in 2010 from the same victory, he had to race in through the Open in 2011 – but the 2012 Championship will punch his ticket in regardless of wins.
The Monster Energy All-Star Race is set for an 8 p.m. ET start on FOX Sports 1, but the highlight of the night might be the intense qualifying session at 4:30 p.m., just before the race.