Advance Auto Parts Clash
| Venue: | Daytona International Speedway |
| Main sponsor: | Advance Auto Parts |
| First race: | 1979 |
| Distance: | 187.5 miles (301,752 km) |
| Number of laps: | 75 |
| Former names: |
Busch Clash (1979–1997) Bud Shootout (1998–2000) Budweiser Shootout (2001–2012) Sprint Unlimited (2013–2016) |
The Advance Auto Parts Clash (formerly Sprint Unlimited ) is a show race of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series held annually in February at the Daytona International Speedway , which is held on the weekend before the Daytona 500 .
The Advance Auto Parts Clash was first held in 1979 under the name Busch Clash as a single sprint race over 50 miles . In the current format, the Advance Auto Parts Clash consists of two segments: a short segment consisting of 20 laps, followed by a ten-minute break and the second, long segment with 50 laps, where each driver has to complete a pit stop . For the race, like the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in May at Lowe's Motor Speedway , no points are awarded for the championship. The prize money paid out is quite high, so that the participating drivers display a relatively aggressive driving style, contrary to the regular season races. Due to the smaller field of drivers, large accidents like the Daytona 500 are rare. All drivers who have achieved a pole position in the previous season and all former winners of the shootout are allowed to take part in this race. The starting line-up is determined by lottery.
The 1987 race won by Bill Elliott was the fastest race ever held by NASCAR, with an average speed of 197.802 mph .
format
From the event's inception in 1979 to 1990, the race consisted of a single sprint race over 20 laps or 50 miles. A pit stop was not mandatory. From 1991 to 1997 the race was divided into two segments of 10 laps each. For the second segment, the layout of the field was reversed. In addition, prize money was distributed for both segments. In 1998 the name was changed to "Bud Shootout" and until 2000 the race consisted of two races of 25 laps each: the so-called Bud Shootout Qualifier, which took place at 11 am, and the actual Bud Shootout at 12 pm. A pit stop was mandatory for both races. In 2001 and 2002 the race renamed "Budweiser Shootout" was held again as a single race, but the race distance was extended to 70 laps. In this format, laps under yellow were also counted for the first time, but the finish line had to be under green. The green-white-checkered rule was also introduced for this race. In addition, two pit stops under green were required. From 2003 the race consisted of two segments with 20 laps in the first and 50 laps in the second segment, interrupted by a ten-minute break. A pit stop was no longer mandatory, but the downsizing of the tank made one necessary. In 2009 the number of laps was increased to 75. As of 2013, the race consisted of a total of three segments.
Eligibility to participate
Between 1979 and 1997, the previous season's pole position winners were automatically eligible to participate. In addition, the drivers had a chance to participate in the “Busch Second Round Qualifying”, who completed the second fastest lap in each of the qualifying sessions last year. One of these drivers was awarded a starting place by drawing lots. In 1995 and 1996, the driver with the most pole positions in the Busch Series also got a starting place. David Green , who was awarded this starting place both times, drove a car sponsored by Busch during the race.
Between 1998 and 2000, the winners of pole positions from the previous season were automatically eligible to participate. The drivers who were awarded their starting place in the Busch Second Round Qualifying took part in an extra "Bud Shootout Qualifier". The winner of this race was allowed to take part in the actual Budweiser Shootout, so there was no drawing of lots.
There has been no Busch Second Round Qualifying since 2001. Since 2017, all drivers who took a pole position in the previous year , are former winners of the Clash, are former pole sitters of the Daytona 500 (if they competed for the entire previous season) or who were able to qualify for the Chase in the previous year are eligible to start.
particularities
- The winner of the Budweiser Shootout also won the Daytona 500 five times a week later. These were Bobby Allison (1982), Bill Elliott (1987), Dale Jarrett (1996 & 2000) and Jeff Gordon (1997).
- When the race was still called the Busch Clash, it had two titles in the current year. In 1989 it was called “Busch Clash of '89” and in 1993 “Busch Clash of '93”.
- In order to be awarded the “Pole Award” required to participate in the race, the driver's car must have an Anheuser-Busch sticker or the company logo on the relevant race weekend. The latter applies to drivers under the age of 21. Between 1979 and 2000 the sticker was used to advertise the Busch brand, and since 2001 the Budweiser brand. If a racing car does not have a corresponding sticker, the right to participate in the shootout is transferred to the driver of the first next fastest car that has this sticker.
- In 1998, John Andretti was eligible because he achieved pole position on the Cale Yarborough team in 1997 . For the 1998 season, he moved to Petty Enterprises , but they were not eligible to participate because the team's car was missing appropriate stickers. Andretti took part in the shootout and drove for that one race for Hendrick Motorsports .
- Bobby Hamilton achieved pole position in the Miller 400 for Petty Enterprises in 1997 , but was not allowed to take part in the 1998 shootout because the team had not attached the necessary sticker to the car.
- John Andretti achieved pole position in the Primestar 500 for Petty Enterprises in 1998, but was not allowed to take part in the 1998 shootout because the team had not attached the necessary sticker to the car.
- Jeff Green scored pole position at the 2003 Daytona 500 for Richard Childress Racing , but did not take part in the 2004 shootout when he moved to Petty Enterprises and the team does not allow alcohol advertising on their cars.
- Drivers under the age of 21 must wear special stickers that do not advertise a specific brand. You are still eligible to participate in the shootout.
- On May 14, 2004, 20-year-old Brian Vickers achieved pole position at the Richmond International Raceway in the Chevy American Revolution 400 .
- On September 3, 2004, Vickers achieved pole position in the Pop Secret 500 at California Speedway .
- On February 26, 2005, 19 year old Kyle Busch achieved his first pole position at California Speedway. Since Busch was not allowed to participate in the draw because he was only 20 years old at the time and the law forbids under 21-year-olds to participate in events sponsored by an alcohol manufacturer, his crew chief had to take part in the draw.
- On April 20, 2006, Busch achieved pole position at the Phoenix International Raceway .
- Dale Jarrett (2000) and Tony Stewart (2002, 2006 and 2007) are the only drivers to have won the shootout without taking pole position the previous year.
- In 2006, Denny Hamlin became the first rookie to win the shootout.
- In 2008, Dale Earnhardt junior set a new record for most leading laps in this race. He led a total of 47 of the 70 laps.
- 2012 Kyle Busch defeated Tony Stewart by 0.913 seconds, the closest finish in the history of the race.
- 2013 was the first race in which the sixth generation vehicle was driven.
winner
The shootout
| year | date | driver | Manufacturer | Prize money ( USD ) |
Distance ( miles ) |
Race Average ( mph ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bush clash | ||||||
| 1979 | February 11th |
 Buddy Baker
|
Oldsmobile | $ 50,000 | 50 | 194,384 |
| 1980 | February 10th |
Dale Earnhardt
|
Oldsmobile | $ 50,000 | 50 | 191.693 |
| 1981 | February 8 |
Darrell whale trip
|
Buick | $ 61,500 | 50 | 189.076 |
| 1982 | February 7th |
Bobby Allison
|
Buick | $ 50,000 | 50 | 191.693 |
| 1983 | 14th of February |
Neil Bonnett
|
Chevrolet | $ 50,500 | 50 | 192.513 |
| 1984 | February 12th |
Neil Bonnett
|
Chevrolet | $ 50,000 | 50 | 195,926 |
| 1985 | February 10th |
Terry Labonte
|
Chevrolet | $ 65,000 | 50 | 195.865 |
| 1986 | February 8 |
Dale Earnhardt
|
Chevrolet | $ 75,000 | 50 | 195.865 |
| 1987 | February 8 |
Bill Elliott
|
ford | $ 75,000 | 50 | 197,802 |
| 1988 | February 7th |
Dale Earnhardt
|
Chevrolet | $ 75,000 | 50 | 191,489 |
| 1989 | February 12th |
Ken Schrader
|
Chevrolet | $ 75,000 | 50 | 192.926 |
| 1990 | February 11th |
Ken Schrader
|
Chevrolet | $ 95,000 | 50 | 192.308 |
| 1991 | February 10th |
Dale Earnhardt
|
Chevrolet | $ 60,000 | 50 | 189.474 |
| 1992 | February 8 |
Geoff Bodine
|
ford | $ 39,000 | 50 | 189.076 |
| 1993 | February 7th |
Dale Earnhardt
|
Chevrolet | $ 60,000 | 50 | 186.916 |
| 1994 | 13th February |
Jeff Gordon
|
Chevrolet | $ 54,000 | 50 | 188.877 |
| 1995 | February 12th |
Dale Earnhardt
|
Chevrolet | $ 57,000 | 50 | 188.482 |
| 1996 | February 11th |
Dale Jarrett
|
ford | $ 62,500 | 50 | 184.995 |
| 1997 | February 9 |
Jeff Gordon
|
Chevrolet | $ 54,000 | 50 | 185.376 |
| Bud shootout | ||||||
| 1998 | February 8 |
Rusty Wallace
|
ford | $ 100,882 | 62.5 | 178.998 |
| 1999 | February 7th |
Mark Martin
|
ford | $ 108,000 | 62.5 | 181.745 |
| 2000 | 13th February |
Dale Jarrett
|
ford | $ 115,000 | 62.5 | 182,334 |
| Budweiser Shootout | ||||||
| 2001 | February 11th |
Tony Stewart
|
Pontiac | $ 202,722 | 175 | 181.036 |
| 2002 | February 10th |
Tony Stewart
|
Pontiac | $ 200,955 | 175 | 181.295 |
| 2003 | February 8 |
Dale Earnhardt junior
|
Chevrolet | $ 205,000 | 175 | 180.827 |
| 2004 | February 7th |
Dale Jarrett
|
ford | $ 213,000 | 175 | 150.826 |
| 2005 | February 7th |
Jimmie Johnson
|
Chevrolet | $ 219,945 | 175 | 181,399 |
| 2006 | February 11th |
Denny Hamlin
|
Chevrolet | $ 213,380 | 180 | 153.627 |
| 2007 | February 10th |
Tony Stewart
|
Chevrolet | $ 215,000 | 175 | 166.195 |
| 2008 | February 9 |
Dale Earnhardt junior
|
Chevrolet | $ 215,000 | 175 | 140.751 |
| 2009 | February 7th |
Kevin Harvick
|
Chevrolet | $ 200,000 | 187.5 | 127.243 |
| 2010 | February 6th |
Kevin Harvick
|
Chevrolet | $ 200,000 | 190 | 144.742 |
| 2011 | February 12th |
Kurt Busch
|
Dodge | $ 203,000 | 187.5 | 153.584 |
| 2012 | February 18 |
Kyle Busch
|
Toyota | 205 | 124.096 | |
| Sprint Unlimited | ||||||
| 2013 | February 16 |
Kevin Harvick
|
Chevrolet | $ 200,000 | 187.5 | 177.538 |
| 2014 | February 15th |
Denny Hamlin
|
Toyota | $ 200,000 | 187.5 | 143.160 |
| 2015 | 14th of February |
Matt Kenseth
|
Toyota | $ 203,000 | 187.5 | 135,569 |
| 2016 | 13th February |
Denny Hamlin
|
Toyota | 197.5 | 128,432 | |
| Advance Auto Parts Clash | ||||||
| 2017 | 19th of February |
Joey Logano
|
ford | 187.5 | 143.831 | |
- ↑ Postponed from Sunday to Monday due to rain
- ↑ a b Earnhardt won the first and also the second segment with 10 rounds each
- ↑ Sterling Marlin won the first segment with 10 rounds and Bodine won the second segment with 10 rounds
- ↑ Dale Earnhardt won the first segment with 10 rounds and Gordon won the second segment with 10 rounds
- ↑ Jeff Gordon won the first segment of 10 rounds and Earnhardt won the second segment of 10 rounds
- ↑ Sterling Marlin won the first segment with 10 rounds and Jarrett won the second segment with 10 rounds
- ↑ Terry Labonte won the first segment with 10 rounds and Gordon won the second segment with 10 rounds
- ↑ Postponed from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon due to rain; 72 laps (180 miles) because of Green-White-Checkered
- ↑ Postponed from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon due to rain.
Bud Shootout Qualifier
| year | date | driver | Manufacturer | Prize money ( USD ) |
Distance ( miles ) |
Race Average ( mph ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bud Shootout Qualifier | ||||||
| 1998 | February 8 |
Jimmy Spencer
|
ford | $ 21,428 | 62.5 | 180,000 |
| 1999 | February 7th |
Mike Skinner
|
Chevrolet | $ 26,600 | 62.5 | 179.140 |
| 2000 | 13th February |
Dale Jarrett
|
ford | $ 36,363 | 62.5 | 181.014 |