2005 Nextel All-Star Challenge

The race was held on Saturday, May 21, 2005, in Concord, North Carolina at Lowe's Motor Speedway, a 1.5 miles (2.4 km) permanent quad-oval.

The complex features a 1.5 miles (2.4 km) quad oval track that hosts NASCAR racing including the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge, as well as the UAW-GM Quality 500.

The speedway was built in 1959 by Bruton Smith and is considered the home track for NASCAR with many race teams located in the Charlotte area.

During the first 10-minute break, a random ping pong ball (each ball would have one NASCAR on Fox announcer or pit reporter on it) picked by Chris Myers would lead Myers to open a giant, promotional Nextel flip phone of the corresponding announcer.

In addition, previous champions and former Nextel All-Star Challenge winners within the last 10 years (1995-2004) were also automatically eligible.

[2] Kyle Busch of Hendrick Motorsports would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 28.637 and an average speed of 188.567 miles per hour (303.469 km/h).

[2] Ryan Newman of Penske Racing would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 28.863 and an average speed of 187.091 miles per hour (301.094 km/h).

[2] Mike Bliss of Haas CNC Racing would win the pole, setting a time of 28.540 and an average speed of 189.208 miles per hour (304.501 km/h).

[2] Ryan Newman of Penske Racing would win the pole with a time of 2:02.443 and an average speed of 44.102 miles per hour (70.975 km/h).

While 20 teams were scheduled to compete, Terry Labonte would withdraw, leaving three spots to be allocated by owner's points.

Competitors will use their own air guns, and a five second time penalty will be administered for any lugs not properly installed.

A NASCAR Nextel Cup Series official will signal when the tires on each side of the car are off the ground.

40 Yard Push: As soon as each team member finishes their respective station, they can go to the center of the Charlotte Coliseum, where a special 40-yard lane is created.

In this round, the teams would perform a regular four-tire pit stop- whoever won their respective battle would move on to the final.

Mike Bliss would take the lead on the start, but the racing would be short lived as Scott Riggs got loose and slammed the wall in the middle of Turns 3-4, ending his day.

Three cars, Bliss, Kvapil, and Brian Vickers, relatively untalked about all day, would pull away from the rest of the field.

Vickers and Bliss would pull away from Kvapil, and battle to the end to enter the Nextel All-Star Challenge.