Those of you who contend that Jimmie Johnson is the product of a superior team rather than a superior driver need to watch the last 10 laps of Saturday’s Sprint All-Star Race.

NASCAR Hall of Fame set to announce next five-member class on Wednesday; Maurice would make fourth from Petty Organization if his name is called

Jamie McMurray didn’t want to leave Charlotte Motor Speedway early Saturday.

CONCORD Jimmie Johnson may not win races that count as often at Charlotte Motor Speedway any more, but he still wins the ones that pay. For the second consecutive season and the fourth time in his career, Johnson won the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, holding off Joey Logano to win the $1 million first prize on Saturday night.

Students from several Charlotte schools attended Saturday’s Sprint All-Star Race, thanks to the Shell Fuel For Success program.

The five leaders in fan voting as the All-Star race approaches include two longtime veterans and a pair of relative newcomers.

The Mooresville Artist Guild and Dale Jr. Foundation have come up with an artistic way for fans to pay tribute to NASCAR’s popular driver and also raise money to renovate the historic depot where the guild hosts its art shows.

Busch overcame a pit road penalty that sent him to the rear of the field, battled all the way back to the front and held off Brendan Gaughan to win the N.C. Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

jutter@charlotteobserver.com

If Carl Edwards's speed from qualifying translates into Saturday night's Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, his name at least could make one more appearance in the winner's circle.

Last was best for Martin Truex Jr. Truex was the last of 23 cars to qualify Friday night for the Sprint Showdown and easily bested Jamie McMurray to win the pole for the prelude to Saturday night’s Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Changes in rules makes each segment count when drivers square off Saturday night.

FRIDAY
9 a.m.: Gate 5A opens for early entry
10:30-11:50 a.m.: Truck Series final practice
Noon-1:25 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Sprint Showdown final practice
1:35-3 p.m.: Sprint Cup Series Sprint All-Star Race final practice
3 p.m.: Spectator gates open
4 p.m.: Truck Series qualifying (two laps, all positions)
5:15 p.m.: Sprint Showdown qualifying (two laps, all positions)
6 p.m.: Sprint All-Star Race qualifying (three laps with pit stop, four-tire change)
7:30 p.m.: Truck Series driver introductions
8 p.m.: Truck Series N.C. Education Lottery 200 (134 laps, 201 miles)

Matt Kenseth has already won three races in the Sprint Cup Series this season, the best start of his NASCAR career. He is in as good a position as anyone to win an extra $1 million this week in the Sprint All-Star Race.

Even a sizable NASCAR penalty couldn’t alter the historic team accomplishment reached by ThorSport Racing. Following last month’s Truck Series race at Kansas, ThorSport drivers Johnny Sauter and Matt Crafton were first and second, respectively, in the series standings. It marked the first time in the organization’s 18-year history its drivers held the top two positions in points.

After a couple of slower-than-usual pit stops during last weekend’s Sprint Cup race at Darlington, two changes have been made to the pit crew for Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 team.

The following drivers are already qualified to participate in Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race:

Joe Gibbs’ life has been full of memorable chapters. Two stints as coach of the NFL’s Washington Redskins produced three Super Bowl victories. He won three titles as a team owner in what now is NASCAR’s premiere Sprint Cup Series.

Retired race car driver Dick Trickle, 71, died today from an apparent self inflicted gun shot wound, Lincoln County deputies said.

NASCAR Gen 6 Car

NASCAR driver Mike Harmon denied on Twitter that he stole a team transporter from competitor Jennifer Jo Cobb’s racing team.

It seems NASCAR is sending conflicting messages on safety of late.

For one night, NASCAR will abdicate some of its rule-enforcing authority.

1992 Winston Last Lap

Charlotte Motor Speedway billed it as "One Hot Night." It proved that and beyond on May 16, 1992, thanks to star drivers Davey Allison, Kyle Petty and Dale Earnhardt.

The rules surrounding Saturday night's Sprint All-Star Race continue to change, and fans are concerned the latest tweak is meant to benefit Danica Patrick.

BARRINGTON’S A tiny South Charlotte place with big style, where chef-owner Bruce Moffett leans toward oft-changing clean arrangements of a few fine ingredients: parmesan gnocchi with braised veal, for example. Dinner ($17-$35). 7822 Fairview Road; 704-364-5755; barringtonsrestaurant.com.

Every smart diner has two essential things in the arsenal: a handful of classic, go-to restaurants that can always be counted on, and a handful of newer, more idiosyncratic spots with which to wow companions.

Need sustenance after midnight? Here are eight great options:

THE FOLLOWING are places outside the uptown area (bordered by the I-277 loop) recommended by restaurant writer Helen Schwab.

Helen Schwab: Not entranced by notion of rubbing shoulders with race fans and running in crowds? We have options.

Restaurants inside the I-277 loop that are recommended by Observer restaurant writer Helen Schwab.

It’s not always the drivers we know will be in the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race who come away with the big money.

An inventively embellished three-bedroom condominium at the reigning superstar of Manhattan trophy residences, 15 Central Park West, is about to enter a trophy-conscious marketplace priced at $30 million. The seller of No. 7C also happens to be a bit of a superstar and trophy-magnet: Jeff Gordon.

With all the changes in NASCAR over the last 10 years, it’s still good to see the history of the sport recognized by its current participants.

There’s a common axiom in racing: “Winning fixes everything.”

jutter@charlotteobserver.com

This is the Matt Kenseth to which most NASCAR fans have become accustomed.

jutter@charlotteobserver.com

Three things to watch