An interesting change on qualifying procedures was announced recently. After race #6 this season if you are in the top 35 in points you are guaranteed a starting spot. Qualifying is now apparently just to sort the order, not determine the field. Positions 36 through 42 will be the next seven fastest drivers not in the top 35 and the 43rd spot will go to a former Champion who needs it or to the fastest driver not already in the field if there is no past champion who needs the slot.
Wow, they've really managed to suck the drama out of qualifying. There are still a few tracks where your starting spot is important (Bristol, Darlington, etc) but for a place like Talladega or Michigan why go out and abuse your race engine trying to run a fast lap? Just coast around, take a time and start 35th.
Not sure that I agree with this change. You can read more about it here at Yahoo news..
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