NASCAR Changes Qualifying Format

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NASCAR is taking a page from the world of Open Wheel Racing to add excitement to qualifying for starting positions in races. The announcement comes just a month shy of the 2014 season beginning, Instead of teams running solo laps to determine the starting order, qualifying will be done in groups. Click for the details.

The new qualifying rules will be in place for all 3 NASCAR series; both Sprint Cup and Nationwide as well as the truck series. Daytona will keep it's current format in place with the two duel races determining the starting field, but all other races will adopt the new rule.

Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president for competition and racing development says the new qualifying setup will simulate more of real race conditions and allow for it to be done much faster.

"This style of group qualifying has all the makings of being highly competitive and more engaging to our fans in the stands and those watching on television and online. For the drivers and teams, we believe this new qualifying will fuel even greater competition leading into the events.

Here's how it will work at race tracks that are 1.25 miles or bigger.

• The first qualifying elimination round will be 25 minutes in duration and includes all cars/trucks. The 24 cars/trucks that post the fastest single lap from the first qualifying round will advance to the second round.

• The remaining cars/trucks will be sorted based on their times posted in the first round of qualifying in descending order.

• The second qualifying elimination round will be 10 minutes in duration and the 12 cars/trucks that post the fastest single lap time will advance to the third and final round. The fastest remaining cars/trucks earn positions 13th through 24th based on their times posted in qualifying in descending order.

• The third and final qualifying round will be five minutes in duration and the fastest single lap time will determine positions 1st through 12th in descending order.

For smaller tracks, qualifying will be done in just 2 rounds.

SOURCE:NASCAR.com

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