NASCAR Sprint Showdown 2012: Start Time, Lineup, TV Schedule and More

With NASCAR’s All-Star weekend almost here, it’s time to look at one of the most underrated races on the entire 2012 schedule—the annual Sprint Showdown.

This 40-lap race happens before the All-Star race Saturday night, and decides the final two drivers in the main event.

The last driver chosen will be voted in by the fans.

Each driver sees this as their chance to make a name for themselves, so you can expect some of the hardest driving from the youngest and most promising stars the sport has to offer.

Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Charlotte, NC

When: Saturday, May 19, 7:00 p.m. ET

Watch: SPEED

Live Stream: TrackPass

Listen: Motor Racing Network

Starting Order: Sprint Showdown qualifying determined Friday, May 18 at 5 p.m. ET

Don’t miss the Full NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race 2012 preview here!

Full TV Schedule

May, 18, 10:20 a.m.—N.C. Education Lottery 200 final practice (TV at 10:30) SPEED

May, 18, Noon—Sprint Showdown final practice, SPEED

May, 18, 1:35 p.m.—Sprint All-Star Race final practice, SPEED

May, 18, 4 p.m.—N.C. Education Lottery 200 qualifying, SPEED

May, 18, 5 p.m.—Sprint Showdown qualifying, SPEED

May, 18, 6 p.m.—Sprint All-Star Race qualifying, SPEED

May, 18, 7:30 p.m.—N.C. Education Lottery 200, SPEED

May, 19, 7 p.m.—Sprint Showdown, SPEED

May, 19, 9 p.m.—Sprint All-Star Race, SPEED

May, 20, 2 p.m.—Pioneer Hi-Bred 250, ESPN

Entry List

Jamie McMurray

David Reutimann

Casey Mears

Joey Logano

A.J. Allmendinger

Josh Wise

David Stremme

Jeff Burton

Stephen Leicht

Tony Raines

David Gilliland

Juan Montoya

Aric Almirola

Bobby Labonte

Martin Truex Jr.

Landon Cassill

Joe Nemechek

Travis Kvapil

Mike Bliss

Scott Speed

J.J. Yeley

Predicted Winners

Jamie McMurray

With two previous wins at this track and a strong car in 2012, Jamie McMurray literally has the inside lane on most of the completion in this race. If the No. 1 car can qualify well, they have the car and the driver to stay at the front of the pack for 40 laps.

If Jamie doesn’t finish first, he will be the second-place car.

Martin Truex Jr.

While Martin Truex hasn’t had the most success over his career at Charlotte, he hasn’t been driving a car as good as the one he has with Michael Waltrip Racing.

Truex is having a strong 2012 and will look to continue to build on that with 40 laps of pure domination.

Fan Vote Winner

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

As if there was ever a doubt who would win a fan vote at any point in NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will get a chance to dance in the All-Star race because that’s what the fans want.

Junior is arguably the most popular driver in NASCAR history and will win every time there is a fan vote.

Check back for more on NASCAR as it comes, and check out Bleacher Report’s NASCAR Page to get your fill of all things motorsports.

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