[vincesanity82]

NASCAR is considering changes to its top-35 qualifying format but isn't likely to reduce the number of teams with guaranteed starting spots each week. "It's something we want to resolve shortly so everybody knows what they're up against for next year," NASCAR president Mike Helton said. Any change is likely to be announced before the end of the month but not in time to affect Sunday's Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, where Allstate 400 at the Brickyard winner Tony Stewart will try for the first three-race winning streak of his nine-year Nextel Cup career. The top 35 in the owners' points standings are assured of being in the 43-car field each race no matter how they qualify. On a typical weekend, that leaves 12-15 teams scrambling for eight starting spots. The most likely change is to have the teams outside the top 35 qualify in a group, either at the beginning or end of the regular session. That would eliminate luck of the draw as a major factor in determining who gets into the race. The teams that have to qualify on speed all would face similar track and weather conditions. -- Indy Star

NASCAR mulls tweaks to qualifying for those out of top 35 | IndyStar.com

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

The top 35 in the owners' points standings are assured of being in the 43-car field each race no matter how they qualify. On a typical weekend, that leaves 12-15 teams scrambling for eight starting spots. The most likely change is to have the teams outside the top 35 qualify in a group, either at the beginning or end of the regular session. That would eliminate luck of the draw as a major factor in determining who gets into the race. The teams that have to qualify on speed all would face similar track and weather conditions.

What? Maybe I'm becoming cynical, but what the hell difference is this going to make?

Luck of the draw? Excuse me, but they've already ensured that 35 cars are in each race, right? They have to deal with luck of the draw, yet they are guaranteed a starting spot. That's the real issue.

I'm sort of at a loss for words here. This is a lame attempt for NASCAR to save face.

Maybe I'm missing something. If that's the case, I'm sure someone will point it out to me.

[PettyBlue]

It is only to level the field for those outside the top 35 as far as track conditions go while they try to get in on speed alone.I feel it will help the cars outside looking in compete evenly amoung themselves for a spot.It is not great but better than what the outsiders have to work with at present.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by PettyBlue

It is only to level the field for those outside the top 35 as far as track conditions go while they try to get in on speed alone.I feel it will help the cars outside looking in compete evenly amoung themselves for a spot.It is not great but better than what the outsiders have to work with at present.

I see your point. I just don't think there should be any outsiders to begin with.

I think I'll have to do some research to refresh my memory as to what the rationale was behind the top-35 thing.

Or maybe I'll watch Jerry Springer instead ...

[PettyBlue]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

I see your point. I just don't think there should be any outsiders to begin with.

I think I'll have to do some research to refresh my memory as to what the rationale was behind the top-35 thing.

To protect the big money sponsers,period.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by PettyBlue

To protect the big money sponsers,period.

That makes me feel SO much better!

I guess I need to chant "Change is good. Change is good. Change is good."

Thanks, PB.

[oncea3fan]

mikey waltrip brought this up during inside cup racing, near the start of the season. I wish they'd do the fastest 43(never happen) but wouldn't it be drama to see the poiint leader miss a race.

no not because it's jeffy, just anyone

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

I see your point. I just don't think there should be any outsiders to begin with.

I think I'll have to do some research to refresh my memory as to what the rationale was behind the top-35 thing.

Or maybe I'll watch Jerry Springer instead ...

So how was Jerry today ???

[LSC9901]

The most likely change is to have the teams outside the top 35 qualify in a group, either at the beginning or end of the regular session.

OK ... I'm confused. Why would they be qualifying at the beginning or the end of the season ?? Is that a typo or am I missing something ??

[jks812]

They said it's because track conditions change over the course of qualifying. By making them all qualify at the same time, they all have the same track conditions. Nobody gets advantage of the track being faster or penalized by the track getting slower.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

OK ... I'm confused. Why would they be qualifying at the beginning or the end of the season ?? Is that a typo or am I missing something ??

LOL...I see what you mean now. I automatically assumed that said session.

[wingkey1]

Gotta tell ya, sometimes I just lack knowledge on exactly where I stand on this.

Can look at this and say "top 35 good". Then see "top 35 bad".

Think I'm really "top 35 gotta be ready/willing to evolve".



Oh well, maybe some examples that make this mind (?) boggle -

* When we see the dipwads all qualify at the front at a restrictor plate track knowing full well they cannot possible last or compete we think - top 35 good

* When "flashes in the pan", or "dump everything in to making a select few races" are obvious, we think - top 35 good

* Generically whenever we see those who would throw it all towards success in a select number of races, clearly NOT supporting the integrity of the overall sport, we come down at - top 35 good




Then again there's -

* When we see teams repeatedly bettering (that a word?) the "chosen" in qualifying efforts, and these folkss are CLEARLY committed to the long haul and the integrity of the sport, we think - top 35 bad

Don't have additional example here (top 35 bad) because personal feeling is that the one above captures it. There are indeed "newbies" committed and potentially beneficial and, on the other side there are the "foundational grandfathers" who are dead but unconscious of the fact. As the governing body your on the spot to try and figure out who ya preserve, and for how long.

It's a real flippin' "brain drain".

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by jks812

LOL...I see what you mean now. I automatically assumed that said session.

Sorry .. it does say session and not season. Been a looooooonnnnggg day !

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

So how was Jerry today ???

LOL! Like watching a train wreck! Makes me feel like a superior human being! Actually, it confirmed that I AM a superior human being!

Enough about that ...

[OrionBen]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

That would eliminate luck of the draw as a major factor in determining who gets into the race. The teams that have to qualify on speed all would face similar track and weather conditions. -- Indy Star

I accepted the top 35, with his good and bad side.

Allowing top performer to race even if they have a crash in qualification ( plus side ) or Tony Stewart trying to qualify with his race setup (not to risk modifying the car) and get last row start.

For me this is not the problem, the problem is rained out Qualification. All those non top 35 should have a chance to get in the show. There is surely a moment in the weekend when you can try to determine which of those 9-15 cars to get in the show. That it be a classic qualification, 15 minute happy hour, or another mothod to determine which 8 best should be in.

You can even do this Friday morning before the first practice so that only the top 43 car attempt the regular qualification.