2008 Budweiser Shootout

The 2008 Budweiser Shootout was the first official, non-points paying event of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the event, his second shootout, and his first win with Hendrick Motorsports.

The Budweiser Shootout lineup was determined by a draw of positions on Thursday, February 7, 2008 and aired live on Speed Channel.

(24) Jeff Gordon° ° — Because of the wrecks in Happy Hour, or other reasons, these drivers went to the rear of the field.

The final practice session, commonly known as "Happy Hour" was anything but for many drivers as two separate incidents turned into a wreckfest thanks to the restrictor plate style of racing.

The first, known as in the restrictor plate races as "The Big One", involved among others, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon, David Gilliland and Jimmie Johnson, forcing them to backup rides.

Unlike points-paying races, all restarts are double-file with lead lap cars in the front, and work can be done during red flag periods.

When all was said and done, Dale Earnhardt Jr. led an event record 46 of the 70 laps to win his first race with Hendrick Motorsports.