DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 8 (UPI) -- NASCAR's Sprint Cup circuit is set for the unofficial start of its season with the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona Beach, Fla.
The race -- set for Saturday night -- annually precedes the Daytona 500, but is not part of the circuit's official schedule. Saturday marks the first time anyone has seen the pre-tested cars in full throttle and in their new "colors."
Eighteen starters won at least one Bud Pole Award in 2007 to qualify for the race. The remaining five starters have claimed at least one pole during their careers to qualify, but are starting this year's race based on a past Shootout victory.
"We work really hard each year to win poles," said Ryan Newman, who has won 42 poles in his eight seasons on the circuit. "It's an honor being in the Budweiser Shootout each year because it recognizes the hard work that the entire team has done to put our car on the pole."
The Shootout includes more than $1 million dollars in prize money.
