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NASCAR Makes Rules Changes To Qualifying, Chase Procedures
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NASCAR made a pair of small but significant rules changes pertaining to qualifying at Sprint Cup Series races.
From now on, if qualifying is rained out or cancelled for weather issues, current year team owner points for both Charter and Open teams will determine who makes the race. Up until now, practice speeds were used to see who got in and who didn't.
Owner points will also determine the starting order. For example, if qualifying is rained out at Kentucky Speedway on Friday, Kevin Harvick would start on the pole, flanked by Brad Keselowski.
Also, if an Open team makes the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, that team is guaranteed a starting spot in each of the Chase races.
The Open team that could benefit most from these changes is Wood Brothers Racing. Ryan Blaney is 15th in driver points and is the only Open team driver with a strong shot at making the Chase at the moment.
From now on, if qualifying is rained out or cancelled for weather issues, current year team owner points for both Charter and Open teams will determine who makes the race. Up until now, practice speeds were used to see who got in and who didn't.
Owner points will also determine the starting order. For example, if qualifying is rained out at Kentucky Speedway on Friday, Kevin Harvick would start on the pole, flanked by Brad Keselowski.
Also, if an Open team makes the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, that team is guaranteed a starting spot in each of the Chase races.
The Open team that could benefit most from these changes is Wood Brothers Racing. Ryan Blaney is 15th in driver points and is the only Open team driver with a strong shot at making the Chase at the moment.
