NASCAR Makes Changes to Superspeedway Qualifying

JOPLIN, Mo. – NASCAR announced changes to the qualifying format at the superspeedway tracks. The format changes will take effect during the May weekend at the Talladega Superspeedway and will be used in all three national series.

The format includes:

Two rounds of qualifying, with the top 12 fastest drivers advancing into the second and final round.

NASCAR will allow each driver to post one lap in the first round of qualifying.

The vehicles will be lined up in a predetermined order and will be sent out in a determined interval by NASCAR. The sanctioning body will reserve the right to allow more than one vehicle on the track to qualify.

The qualifying order for the first of two rounds will be determined by a random draw. NASCAR will use the top 12 fastest speeds from the first round to determine the order for the second.

Teams will have a 10-minute break at the conclusion of the first round.

Positions 13 and beyond will be set by their fastest speed of their single lap in round 1.

The final round will set positions 1-12 by their fastest speeds.

The sanctioning body will impound the cars following each qualifying session. NASCAR will allow teams to adjust tape and install the cool-down units during the 10-minute break.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will use the format for the first time when they head to the Talladega Superspeedway in October.

Qualifying procedures for the 2016 Daytona 500 have yet to be announced.

Brett Winningham
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