Monster Energy Open: Who advanced to the NASCAR All-Star Race?

Three drivers advanced from the Monster Energy Open to compete for the $1 million prize in the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race.

The changes NASCAR made to the cars for the All-Star Race got their first real test in the Monster Energy Open on Saturday evening at Charlotte Motor Speedway. To say that there was some uncertainty about what effect restrictor plates and an aggressive aero package would have on the racing was a bit of an understatement, with Bubba Wallace memorably suggesting it could be like “real life Mario Kart.”

While it didn’t turn out to be quite that crazy, the cars certainly behaved differently than in a normal Charlotte race, with both drafting and solo runs possible to try to get to the front. With three spots up for grabs in the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race, the Open was a chance for some of the sport’s young talent to get to the big show.

Stage 1

That happened in the initial stage. Pole-sitter Aric Almirola led a bit of a breakaway for the first half of the 20-lap run, but cars were able to catch him, and with his car fading late, Alex Bowman assumed the lead. Erik Jones emerged from a battle between about four or five cars for second place, and while he made something of a charge on the final lap, Bowman help on to claim a spot in the main event.

Stage 2

Erik Jones decided to stay out during the stage-ending caution, but everyone else came in. Daniel Suarez showed the way in the first few laps, which featured an incredible save by David Ragan after he nearly went around.

With less than 10 laps to go, Chase Elliott and AJ Allmendinger, who was committed to running a very high line, both caught Suarez. Elliott caught and passed Suarez, but the No. 19 Toyota driver was able to retake the lead.

In the final few laps, it turned into a two-man battle between Suarez and Allmendinger, but the latter could never quite get a chance to make a pass, and Suarez joined Bowman in earning an All-Star Race spot.

Final stage

With only 10 laps in the final stage, it became win or go home for 19 drivers. Bubba Wallace managed to take the lead but had Chase Elliott in hot pursuit. Allmendinger joined them as well, showing the same speed up high that he did in Stage 2.

It turned into a huge battle with six cars in close proximity with one to go. Allmendinger made a masterful move from bottom to top to block Jones at just the right time, and he held on to win the Open.

To no one’s surprise, Elliott won the fan vote and joined Bowman, Suarez and Allmendinger in transferring to the NASCAR All-Star Race. If the Open was any indication, it could be a wild one.