Budweiser Shootout 2012: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and TV Schedule

We all get treated to 75 laps and 187.5 miles of thrilling racing as the biggest names in the sport take to Daytona on Saturday in the 2012 Budweiser Shootout. 

With just a week to go before the Daytona 500, it's time for the exhibition sprint known as the Bud Shootout. 

Some of the best in the sport will be getting in one last tune-up drive before the all-important day at Daytona next week. Let's delve deeper into the specifics. 

Where: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Florida

When: Saturday, February Feb 18, 8:00 p.m. ET

Watch: Fox

What They're Saying:

The Miami Herald examines the return of pack drafting at Daytona:

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"The Budweiser Shootout will serve as a dress rehearsal for the Daytona 500 and Gatorade Duels (twin 150-mile qualifying races for the 500). NASCAR recently revised its rules for restrictor-plate racing in an effort to minimize and perhaps eliminate two-car tandems, which have become an unpopular style of racing at restrictor-plate tracks (Daytona and Talladega Superspeedway). NASCAR is hopeful the rule changes will return pack racing..."

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Fox News breaks down the start of Nascar season:

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"It's time! For the next two weeks, NASCAR's three major touring series will take over Daytona International Speedway for practice, qualifying and, after an extended offseason, some racing. The 2012 NASCAR season is finally here."

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Driver to Watch:

Kurt Busch.

Kurt won this race last year driving for Penske Racing. It will be interesting to see how he fares with a new team in Phoenix Racing. 

Prediction: 

It's tough to make a prediction for a race that is more about getting a feel for the field than anything. With the new restrictor plate rule, drivers will be far more focused at getting a gauge of the pace of this race. 

There is an obvious note that this race will be run a bit differently from the 500, which should be hotter because it runs during the day. 

That being said, there is reason to think Kurt Busch could repeat, or Kevin Harvick will win yet again after taking the race in 2009 and 2010. 

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