Yep, last year's event was great and I'm looking forward to this year's as well. The shootout drama was exciting and I agree, I wish they were having it again this year. I also think the shootout helps as it gives you some alternates available just in case. If they invite only 32 cars and any of them damage their stuff in the test sessions the week of, or in the Friday night time trials, then you go into Saturday with only 29, 30, 31 cars. If I were Wes, I'd invite 35 cars. Lock 31 of them into the field and have the remaining 4 cars race on Friday night for the 32nd spot and some cash. This way, if a car or two can't make the call for 1st round on Saturday night, you have 3 cars on standby who would love to get in on the action.
Really glad to see some nitrous cars on the list!