All-Star: Chad McCumbee qualifying report

Chad McCumbee and the No. 49 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge will start the Showdown from the 18th position. McCumbee, who is also competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event, is competing in a third Petty Enterprises entry. The No. 49 is being borrowed from BAM Racing, who is taking a brief hiatus from the Sprint Cup Series.

"I'm really happy with the car," said McCumbee. "It was fast in practice and I just drove it a little too hard in qualifying. I have to thank Petty Enterprises and BAM Racing for the opportunity to race on all-star weekend. I think we can have a good night tomorrow."

Kyle Petty and the No. 45 Coca-Cola Dodge qualified 22nd for the Showdown. Petty is competing in his 12th all-star weekend. The veteran was involved in one of the most exciting finishes in the history of the all-star race. In the first event to be held under the lights, in 1992, Petty and Davey Allison both spun coming across the finish line. That race is often noted as one of the events that helped this become such a popular race.

"I've always loved this event because it's all about the fans," said Petty. "We don't have to worry about points or anything. We can just go out and race like we are back on the local short tracks. The finished product ends up being one of the most exciting races of the season.

-credit: pe