NASCAR officials have released the list of drivers who are eligible to compete in the 2011 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 12. The Shootout will be the first Sprint Cup Series race held on the new surface of the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

Past Sprint Cup champions, 2010 Chase competitors, former rookies and previous Daytona winners will make up the field for this year’s season opening non-points event.

“When you take a look at the field for this year’s Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, it’s loaded with all-star caliber drivers,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “From former series champions and Chase drivers, to the past 10 rookie of the year performers, to drivers who have had success at Daytona, we believe the fans are in store for a terrific and highly competitive event on a brand new racing surface.”

The following drivers are eligible to compete in the 2011 Budweiser Shootout:

Jimmie Johnson
Denny Hamlin
Kevin Harvick
Carl Edwards
Matt Kenseth
Greg Biffle
Tony Stewart
Kyle Busch
Jeff Gordon
Clint Bowyer
Kurt Busch
Jeff Burton
John Andretti
Geoff Bodine
Kevin Conway
Derrike Cope
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Bill Elliott
Kasey Kahne
Bobby Labonte
Terry Labonte
Joey Logano
Sterling Marlin
Mark Martin
Jamie McMurray
Juan Pablo Montoya
Ryan Newman
Ken Schrader
Regan Smith
Michael Waltrip

Starting postions will be set Friday, February 11 during the Budweiser Shootout Draw Party. Hardcore race fans can watch the draw live on SPEED at 8 pm ET.

The 2011 Budweiser Shootout will be televised live on FOX at 8 pm ET Saturday, February 12.

Visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com for ticket information.

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