CONCORD, N.C.—AJ Allmendinger won for the first time in his NASCAR career Saturday night, winning the Sprint Showdown to earn a berth in the All-Star race.

Sam Hornish Jr. finished second to also advance into the $1 million main event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Kasey Kahne also advanced into the All-Star race as the winner of the fan vote.

For Allmendinger and Hornish, it was their best showing yet in their short NASCAR careers. Granted, it came in a 40-lap sprint absent of NASCAR’s biggest stars. They were already qualified for the All-Star race and sat out the preliminary, which was for drivers not already in the show.