I have just updated the site with the picks form for the 2009 Budweiser Shootout. This race is an exhibition race but it's a bit different this year than it has in the past. Members had to qualify into the field by earning at least 5 poles. Every number after that gives each player 5 bonus points to start with.

You can check to see who is in the race and how many points each person is getting here: http://www.luckydogracing.com/budshootoutpolecount.htm

If you did not qualify for the race, you will not be submitting picks. The winner of the race will get a free entry into the Championship fund and All-Star Cash Challenge. If that member has already paid for those, they will have a free entry into the first segment of the money pit.

The deadline to submit your picks is Thursday, Feb. 5th at 8:00pm EST. Please note, if your Cup series registration has not been paid up yet, you need to wait until it is before you can submit.

For 2010 - The council decided to raise the bar for the amount of poles to get into the race.

If there are 5 or fewer rainouts during the season, the amount of poles will be 8. That's at most, 35 chances during the season to earn a pole and at least 30 chances (The Daytona 500 does not count).

If there are more than 5 rainouts, the amount of poles will be 7.

-- Edited by President Lou Demian at 14:18, 2009-01-20