Bud Shootout field announced

The non-points race will kick off the week of events that lead to the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on February 17 and will serve as a small preview of what will be the NASCAR Sprint Cup season-opener.

Only drivers who claimed one or more pole positions last year and past winners of the shootout who remain active are eligible to compete in the 30th edition of the event, which will see its biggest field ever.

The format of the race remains unchanged for this year, starting with a 20 lap segment which is followed by a ten minute pitstop where teams can make set up changes to their cars. Finally, they race for another 50 laps in a final sprint for the win.

"It's a fun race to be in," said Dale Earnhardt Jr, who will make his debut race for Hendrick Motorsports in this weekend's event. "Most drivers can't wait to see some action from the off-season."

Tony Stewart is the defending champion and will race for the first time in his new Toyota next weekend. Other Camrys, which caused a stir in pre-season testing at Daytona, will be driven by the 2006 winner Denny Hamlin, JJ Yeley, Michael Waltrip, Dave Blaney and three-time event winner Dale Jarrett.

Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin, previous winners of the event as Jarrett, will also be in the field.

The event also marks the first time that the new Cup car will be raced at Daytona.

Eligible drivers based on 2007 pole(s):

Jeff Gordon (7 poles)
Ryan Newman (5 poles)
Jimmie Johnson (4 poles)
Clint Bowyer (2 poles) *
Kasey Kahne (2 poles)
Kurt Busch
Carl Edwards
Martin Truex Jr  
Denny Hamlin
Greg Biffle
Casey Mears
Dale Earnhardt Jr 
Jamie McMurray
J.J. Yeley *
Reed Sorenson *
David Gilliland
Dave Blaney
Michael Waltrip

* first-time participant

Drivers eligible based on being past winners of the Shootout (years won in parentheses):

Tony Stewart (2001, 2002, 2007)
Dale Jarrett (1996, 2000, 2004)
Mark Martin (1999)
Ken Schrader (1989, 1990)
Bill Elliott (1987)