2018 Clint Bowyer Haas Fan Club Fusion

Clint Bowyer explains the importance of Saturday night’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway as well as any marketing or public relations person whose job is to promote the race. “There’s a million dollars on the line,” said Bowyer, who’ll drive the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) Fan Club Ford Fusion in the annual race first contested in 1985. “How do you think we’re going to race? It’s $1 million. Think about that – $1 million on the line. It’s about money and a trophy.” The non-points race has always produced some of the most dramatic moments of the season. This year’s race includes all 2017 and 2018 Cup Series race winners, former All-Star Race winners competing full-time, and former Monster Energy Series champs competing full-time. Bowyer’s March 26 victory at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway ensures he gets to bypass the Monster Energy Open and be one of at least 17 drivers to start in the All-Star Race. “That’s been our goal all year– to get a win and advance straight to the All-Star Race,” said Bowyer, who advanced to the All-Star Race through his performance in the Open in 2014, 2015 and 2017. “The No. 14 needs to be in the All-Star Race right from the start. We had to race our way in last year in the Open. I’m glad we have our spot in the All-Star Race and can concentrate on winning it.” As usual, there will be some tweaks to the rules for the exhibition race. Cars will use restrictor plates, a splitter borrowed from the 2014 rules package with a 2018 radiator pan, a 6-inch-tall spoiler with two “ear” extensions measuring 12 inches tall, and manufacturer-specific air ducts designed to minimize the advantage of lead cars in undisturbed air.