NASCAR Changes Qualifying Order

[John Wiedemann]

NASCAR has changed the qualifying order to allow the non top 35 drivers to qualify in one group. This modification is meant to give those drivers that are not automatically locked in the race, the chance to make their run in basically the same weather and track conditions.

During the qualifying session, drivers can gain an advantage if they are qualifying early or late in the order. This year, all non top 35 drivers will qualify at the end of the session.

While the change is good, NASCAR could have done better.

Why not have them qualify at the beginning of the session? That way, if weather comes in to play, there is a good chance that the non-35 drivers to get a qualifying run in. The rest of the field can be set by points, and they can even put the non-35 at the back of the pack. This way, a team that is trying to make it's first run in the series does not have their shot ruined by some rain clouds on a Friday. If Friday is rained out completely, have the non-35 qualify on Saturday.

It is great that NASCAR wants to protect the top 35 teams and their sponsors but, there needs to be room for new teams to try and make their mark in the sport. While we can never have the fastest 43 cars in the race, seriously, that will never happen. Lets make it possible for fast cars to get in the race and not be deterred by weather or a post mark date on an entry form.