The 31st annual NASCAR All-Star Race is in the books. Joey Lagono parked the No. 22 Penske car on Victory Lane, taking home bragging right and $1 million dollars for his troubles. Still, the big story out of this year’s showdown in Charlotte is the new formatting, a confusing multi-segment event, which included a Carolina Panthers football player picking a lottery envelope to dictate which cars had mandatory four-tire pit stops. Hell, even the broadcast announcers couldn’t clarify the rules. Basically, the whole was a mess. But dammit NASCAR doesn’t look spectacular at night.
Here’s the 2016 All-Star Race in photos. Enjoy.
Charlotte fans show Denny Hamlin love during driver introductions., Jonathan Ferrey/NASCAR via GettyGreen flag!, Matt Sullivan/NASCAR via GettyJimmie Johnson leads from rookie Chase Elliot in the early going., Jared C. Tilton/NASCAR via GettyDale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew preps for the first round of pit stops., Jonathan Ferrey/NASCAR via GettyAction mid-pack, as Jamie McMurray goes wheel-to-wheel with Danica Patrick., Robert Laberge/GettyTony Stewart and Kasey Kahne collide midway through the race's second segment., Brian Lawdermilk/GettyWonky rules meant confusion (and little chaos) in the pits., Jared C. Tilton/NASCAR via GettyKyle Busch and Kevin Harvick were both in contention early…, Jerry Markland/Getty…but Joey Logano took over in the final segment., Robert Laberge/GettyAnd fended off a late-race charge from Kyle Larson., Brian Lawdermilk/GettyThe first All-Star victory of Lagono's career., Jonathan Ferrey/NASCAR via GettyWith the race over, and fans clearing out, all that's left on Victory Lane is tire carnage and confetti., Kena Krutsinger/Getty
