NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race 2012: Start Time, Lineup, TV Schedule and More

It may not have any bearing on the points standings, but one of the races over the course of the season that drivers want to win most is the Sprint All-Star Race.

Only money and pride are on the line in this high-stakes race, so finishing anywhere other than first isn't a desirable option for any of the drivers involved.

The race, which will take place on Saturday night, has a slightly revised format that promises to make for an exciting sprint to the finish. With drivers having to make predetermined pit stops within the race, it will truly take a team effort to come out on top in the end.

There aren't many races on the entire schedule where a second-place finish is considered to be particularly bad, but that will be the case this weekend, so there is no doubt that we will see some exciting competition until the bitter end.

Here is everything you need to know about when and where to catch the Sprint All-Star race from Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

When: Saturday, May 19 at 9 p.m. ET

Watch: SPEED

Race Lineup

Marcos Ambrose

Trevor Bayne

Greg Biffle

Clint Bowyer

Kurt Busch

Kyle Busch

Carl Edwards

Jeff Gordon

Denny Hamlin

Kevin Harvick

Jimmie Johnson

Kasey Kahne

Matt Kenseth

Brad Keselowski

Mark Martin

Paul Menard

Ryan Newman

David Ragan

Regan Smith

Tony Stewart

Sprint Showdown winner

Sprint Showdown second place

Sprint fan vote winner

Drivers to Watch

Carl Edwards

One of 10 past All-Star race winners already in the field, there is no doubt that Carl Edwards will be very much in the mix on Saturday night. Edwards came out on top in an exciting race last year and will look to become the first ever back-to-back winner in the race's 27-year history.

Edwards is a guy who isn't afraid to take some chances, so this is obviously a race that is tailored to his talents. He certainly hasn't run up to his potential this season, as he is just 10th in the standings and without a victory, but perhaps the All-Star race can help propel him to some better finishes in the near future.

Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson is also a past winner of the All-Star race, and since he hasn't gone to victory lane at this event since 2003, there is no doubt that he'll be itching to win that sizable paycheck. Johnson is coming off a big win last week at Darlington, where he scored the 200th career victory for car owner Rick Hendrick.

Johnson is normally a points racer who likes to pick his spots, so the All-Star race isn't necessarily his cup of tea, but he has no trouble making bold moves if he's within striking distance of the lead. Johnson really seems to be rounding into form as of late, and will be a top contender for the points title once again this season. A win in the All-Star race would just be icing on the cake.

Kyle Busch

Perhaps the most controversial driver in the sport, Kyle Busch is precisely the type of competitor who makes the All-Star race so intriguing. Even when points are at a premium, Busch isn't afraid to risk it all in the name of a victory. That will be even truer on Saturday night as he will do everything in his power to get out in front.

This will be Busch's seventh All-Star race, and when you take into account his all-or-nothing style and his winning track record, it's hard to believe that he has yet to win this event. I have to believe that it's only a matter of time before Busch breaks through, and since he came in second last year, 2012 could certainly be his time.

Prediction

The great part about the All-Star race is that it features the very best that NASCAR has to offer, so anyone can realistically win. More often than not a superstar comes out on top, but you never know what might happen with so many good cars racing hard to the finish.

With that said, I look for Kyle Busch to add another big victory to his resume with his first All-Star race win. Busch already has the mentality it takes to be successful in this type of setting, so as long as he stays clean and his pit crew is efficient, he'll be in position to make a move for the win late.

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