CONCORD, N.C. -- Earlier this month, changes were made to the format of this weekend's NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race in hopes of making it the most thrilling one yet.
Monday morning, NASCAR announced three further changes to the rules package for the All-Star Race and preceding Sprint Showdown.
The updates are designed to further reduce downforce and sideforce.
First, truck trailing arms mustbe welded -- a rule that was instituted before the race at Kansas Speedway on May 7. The change is designed to reduce dynamic rear skew.
Next will be a rule that begins this weekend and remain for the duration of the season. Downforce-generating electric fans are to be removed in an update to the brake-cooling rules.
Finally, in a rule that is in place only for the All-Star Race and Showdown, initial static rear toe will be set to zero degrees. Once again, the change is meant to reduce sideforce produced by rear skew.
The changes come in addition to the exhibition race's new format, which is detailed here.
Live coverage of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race begins at 7 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Saturday, May 21. FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will also carry the Sprint Showdown on Friday, May 20, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
Rookie Chase Elliott -- fresh off his fourth top-five finish in the past six races -- is slated to compete in the Showdown for a chance to advance to the All-Star Race by becoming one of the three segment winners.
He can also join his three Hendrick Motorsports teammates in the All-Star Race via fan vote. At last update, he was among the top five vote-getters, and the polls remain open until Friday evening. Votes shared via Facebook or Twitter will count double toward a driver's total. When you share your vote, make sure to use the hashtag #VoteChase to join the conversation.