NASCAR has experienced a variety of unusual and memorable events throughout its history, and the All-Star Race is no exception to this trend. Over the years, fans have witnessed numerous oddities, from the infamous "One Hot Night," which concluded with the race winner being hospitalized, to the inaugural All-Star Race, where the winning car’s engine suspiciously blew just as it crossed the finish line. There was even a time when NASCAR allowed teams to roll out backup cars during a race after a sudden rain shower caused multiple crashes.
Five years ago, another unforgettable All-Star Race took place, though not necessarily due to the action on the track. This race unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant changes that had not been seen in over three decades. For the first time, the event was moved from its traditional location at Charlotte Motor Speedway to Bristol Motor Speedway in mid-July. Adding to the strangeness, this particular All-Star Race was held on a Wednesday night.
Due to the pandemic’s impact, NASCAR had to adapt its schedule quickly, and mid-week races were being considered in 2020. On that Wednesday night at Bristol, the race was broadcast live during prime time, allowing a limited number of fans to attend, roughly 25% of the venue’s full capacity. Approximately 22,000 fans showed up, marking it as the most attended sporting event in the United States since the pandemic began.
Something Was Off
As the cars made their way onto the track, viewers quickly noticed something visually unusual about them. The numbers, typically located on the doors, had been shifted back toward the rear wheels, with the sponsor logos now positioned ahead of them. This change was intended to enhance brand visibility on the cars, but the response from fans was overwhelmingly negative. Many viewers found the new design unappealing, leading to widespread criticism. In 2022, NASCAR decided to move the numbers again, this time forward on the cars. While this adjustment was still met with mixed feelings, it at least looked less odd than the previous arrangement.
As the evening progressed, more surprises awaited fans, but these wouldn’t become apparent until night fell. The event kicked off with the "Open" race, which offered drivers who had not yet secured a spot in the All-Star Race the chance to race their way in. This segment featured a notable incident that overshadowed the competition, involving drivers Bubba Wallace and Michael McDowell.
During a heated battle for third place, McDowell appeared to become frustrated with Wallace and suddenly turned down, causing Wallace to crash into the outside wall and retire from the race. Wallace was visibly upset and delivered a passionate interview to FOX, expressing his displeasure. "I don’t even need to see a replay. Look at this s***. People say he’s one of the nicest guys in the garage. Can’t wait for the god-fearing text he’s going to send me about preaching respect. What a joke he is," Wallace declared. In a memorable moment, he walked away with the damaged front bumper of his No. 43 car, later dropping it off at McDowell’s hauler, which quickly went viral. Fortunately, both drivers and their teams maintained a good sense of humor about the incident, with McDowell and Front Row Motorsports eventually auctioning off the damaged bumper for charity.
A New Rule Emerges
Aric Almirola, William Byron, and Matt DiBenedetto successfully raced their way into the main event, with Clint Bowyer winning the fan vote to secure the final position on the starting grid. This segment of the All-Star Race also introduced a new rule to NASCAR—the "choose rule." This concept, which allows drivers to select their preferred lane for restarts, is commonly used in local races across the country. For the first time, drivers had the freedom to choose their lane, and of all the innovations attempted during this All-Star Race, the choose rule remains a permanent feature in NASCAR today.
A Unique Transformation
As the cars lined up for the main event on the concrete half-mile, their unusual appearance was accentuated under the night sky. Each car sported underglow lighting that illuminated the area beneath their rear bumpers—Fords glowed blue, Toyotas red, and Chevrolets amber. While the aesthetic may have seemed a bit eccentric, NASCAR’s willingness to experiment with new ideas during the All-Star Race deserves acknowledgment, even if it may come off as a surreal memory years later.
When it came to the race itself, the competition was relatively straightforward. All 20 starters finished the event while remaining on the lead lap, but Chase Elliott, NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver, stood out as he claimed victory without facing any significant challenges from the field. His triumph over Kyle Busch was well-received by fans, adding to the excitement of the evening.
In a moment that underscored the unusual atmosphere of the day, one overly enthusiastic (and likely inebriated) fan decided to celebrate Elliott’s win by scaling the catch fence, only to be promptly removed by security. Meanwhile, Elliott made his way to Victory Lane, where he donned his COVID mask and brandished a Roman gladius sword in celebration.
This marked the conclusion of the All-Star Race experiment at Bristol. The event has since moved to North Wilkesboro, the cars have reverted to a more traditional design with numbers closer to the front wheels, and the LED lights under the cars have been eliminated. The only lasting legacy from this unique All-Star Race remains the choose rule, while everything else has faded into memory.
Reflecting on a Unique Event
The All-Star Race, with its history of bizarre occurrences, continues to be a focal point of excitement and unpredictability in NASCAR. The 2020 event at Bristol epitomized the challenges and changes that the sport faced during the pandemic. While the unusual design choices and mid-week scheduling may have raised eyebrows, they also exemplified NASCAR’s resilience and adaptability during unprecedented times.
As the sport moves forward, the lessons learned from the All-Star Race experience will undoubtedly influence future events. Whether it’s the implementation of the choose rule or the adoption of new strategies to engage fans, NASCAR remains committed to evolution. The All-Star Race may have experienced its share of oddities, but it has also paved the way for innovation in a sport that thrives on change and excitement.
In the end, NASCAR’s All-Star Race serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for creativity and adaptation in the world of racing. The experiences of that night at Bristol will be remembered not just for the chaos and unexpected turns, but also for the camaraderie and resilience of the racing community that binds fans and drivers alike. The race may have been strange, but it was also a testament to the spirit of NASCAR and its ability to endure and entertain, even in the most challenging of times.
