Allmendinger Wins His First in the All-Star Showdown

He failed to qualify for the first three races of the season, then Team Red Bull replaced him for with Mike Skinner for the next five events, he wrecked out of the two races after that, and he finished a race for the first time this season by finishing 27th last weekend at Darlington. Yet, following the NASCAR All-Star Showdown, AJ Allmendinger stood in Victory Lane for the first time in his Sprint Cup career, with his eyes now set on competing in the All-Star Race itself.

Allmendinger led all twenty laps in the second and final segment of the Showdown to earn himself a spot in the All-Star Challenge. He finished ahead of Sam Hornish Jr, who also earned a bid in the All-Star competition via his second place finish. Hornish took the transfer spot away from David Ragan on lap 33 of the 40 lap race, and was able to fend him off for the final 7 laps.

Brian Vickers led the race at the end of the first segment after taking the lead away from polesitter, Elliott Sadler, back on lap 1. He then pitted during the competition caution at the end of the segment, while 8 other cars opted to remain on the track, including eventual race winner, AJ Allmendinger.

Kasey Kahne finished the race in fifth, but earned himself a spot in the All-Star Race as well via the fan vote. He finished ahead of Robby Gordon in the voting to earn the honors.