2007 Format
The 2007 Showdown was held October 19–20, again at Irwindale Speedway, with a new two-day format.
The first race became a 150-lap Super Late Model race held on the Friday night, with any Super Late Model racer who races in a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series track eligible for the event.
The Grand National race featured major changes:
- The race is 250 laps (held in 3 segments of 100, 100, and 50 laps with 10 minute breaks in between – the only time cars are allowed to change tires except for flats or damage) and features a 40-car starting field.
- Top 15 drivers in both Grand National divisions invited and receive bonus money.
- Any driver approved by NASCAR to race in this division at tracks of one-half mile or greater may attempt this race. (Previously, only the top 15 in each division was eligible.)
- Only exempt cars automatically qualified for the race.
- Exemptions were awarded on the following (Any Grand National team may help these champions in other cars obtain a ride):
- Any Grand National race winner in 2007.
- All NASCAR Regional Series champions for 2007
- Busch East Series
- NASCAR West Series
- Whelen Modified Tour
- Whelen Southern Modified Tour
- Canadian Tire Series
- Corona Series leader as of September 2 (Due to the race being before the NCS season ends; this problem was resolved with the 2008 season by moving the race to January 2009)
- Whelen All-American Series National Champion
- These exempt drivers (minimum seven) will be added with the top cars from Friday qualifying to form a 30-car starting field.
- A 50-lap last chance qualifier will establish the final ten cars for Saturday's 250-lap feature.
The format change was required because the Elite Division is no longer in place. NASCAR disbanded the division after the 2006 season.
Read more about this topic: Toyota All-Star Showdown