I'm glad that NASCAR has been paying attention. The "Boys of Daytona Beach" have not always been in tune with changing the status quo but someone must have been listening. Qualifying had become rote and somewhat boring and something was needed to spice it up.
In a move aimed toward enhancing the fan experience, NASCAR recently announced a NEW group qualifying format for it's three national series that is, if anything, more compelling, more closely emulates the on-track competition and underlines the sport's commitment to innovation.

This is how it all breaks down:
1) The first qualifying elimination round will be 25 minutes long and includes all cars. The 24 cars that post the fastest single lap will advance to the second round.
2) The remaining cars will be sorted based on their times posted in the first round of qualifying in decending order.
3) The second qualifying round will last 10 minutes and the 12 cars that post the fastest single lap here will advance to the final round. The fastest remaining cars will earn positions 13 through 24 based on their times posted in qualifying in decending order.
4) The third and final round will last only 5 minutes and the fastest single lap time will determine positions 1 through 12 in decending order. The fastest driver in the final round will earn the pole position.
5) There will be a 5 minute break between each qualifying round.

It will be interesting to see how this new qualifying format actually translates to the real world. Whatever the outcome, NASCAR deserves credit for their openess to change.

J.R. Andres
SMM Editor-in-Chief