The race was broken up into two segments: a 20-lap segment, followed by a ten-minute intermission, concluding with a 50-lap second segment. While a pit stop was no longer required by rule, a reduction in fuel cell size (from 22 gallons to 13.5 gallons) made a fuel stop necessary. (In 2007, fuel cells were expanded to 18.5 gallons.) Many drivers also changed two tires during their fuel stop, as the time required to fuel the car allowed for a two-tire change without additional delay.
Pole winners of the previous season were automatically eligible for the race. Then, previous winners who had not already qualified would receive automatic berths.
*Withdrew due to the team's owner, Richard Petty, holding a 50-year promise to his mother that his race team would not be affiliated with alcohol in any way.[4]
Practice
First practice
The first practice session was held on Friday, February 6, at 3:45 PM EST, and would last for one hour and 15 minutes.[4]Kevin Harvick of Richard Childress Racing would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 47.756 and an average speed of 188.458 miles per hour (303.294 km/h).[5]
The second and final practice session, sometimes referred to as Happy Hour, was held on Friday, February 6, at 6:30 PM EST, and would last for one hour.[4]Dale Earnhardt Jr. of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. would set the fastest time in the session, with a lap of 47.111 and an average speed of 191.038 miles per hour (307.446 km/h).[6]
