Money on the line this week

Sprint Cup drivers won't be racing for points this week. They will be racing for pride and money.
That's what the All-Star Challenge is all about.
Any driver who won a race between the Coca-Cola 600 in 2007 and Darlington a few weeks ago are automatically in the big showdown. Also in the big race are those drivers who have won the All-Star Challenge in the last 10 years.
That leaves a few positions for everyone else to race for. Then there is one more position that the fans get to vote for. There are several different rules in each race that are shorter than your normal Sunday afternoon or Saturday evening race. And the driver that wins, gets a big prize for his team.
There is also going to be a burnout competition sometime this weekend. Man that sounds like fun. I wish I could sign up for that.
As for the race, drives sometimes go a little to the extreme in this one. Some probably use it as a test for next Sunday's Coca-Cola 600. And there are some who like to put on a good show. There is pride in this race because the drivers and crews live or work not far from Lowe's Motor Speedway. That's why they like the All-Star race there.
I used to think it would be good to rotate the All-Star race just like they do in the other sports. But I spent one week in Charlotte and found out how great that area is. If you are a NASCAR fan, you need to go there and take some time to go to the various team shops around Charlotte. It's cool.
After going to Charlotte, I know realize why the teams like the All-Star race there. This is really the only time in their schedules where they'll be near their home for two weeks.
Many of the favorites will be in this race and should be at the front. This is the type of race where someone usually makes one little mistake and it winds up taking some good cars out. Tempers have been known to flare up.
It won't be a surprise to see either Kyle Busch or Carl Edwards win the race. Both have the most wins on the Sprint Cup circuit. Of course you can't count out Jeff Gordon or Jimmie Johnson.
It would be ironic if Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins this Saturday. That's because the only other race he's won this year was in the Bud Shootout at Daytona Beach. That race was also one that wasn't for points.
Get ready for some fun.