Qualifying Rules Prior To The Top 35

[dpkimmel2001]

Can someone post a link to where I could read what the qualifying rules were prior to the top 35 rule being implemented? How many drivers got in the field on speed? How many drivers got in on a provisional? How did the drivers earn provisional? I am just trying to get a good grasp on why this top 35 rule is necessary. Thanks.

 

[SST55]

The 35 rule was instituted for cars that show up every week with the intention of running the race. Basically to reward them and their sponsor who is paying the big bucks with a guaranteed starting spot and tv exposure
.
The #26 has been sold to a new team, it's possible that they will be guaranteed a starting spot for the first 5 races if the points went with the sale.

Na$car rules are written in pencil with exceptions to rules written in invisble ink. What happened in the past doesn't mean it'll happen in the future,,,

 

[dpkimmel2001]

The 35 rule was instituted for cars that show up every week with the intention of running the race. Basically to reward them and their sponsor who is paying the big bucks with a guaranteed starting spot and tv exposure

First, thanks for the info......

I probably shouldn't have typed that last line in like I did. I understand why they instituted it but what really brought it about? I don't remember the so-called stars of NASCAR going home every week because they didn't qualify. Yes, I know about Petty, way back when. I believe that's why they put in the Past Champions Provisional. I remember it as for every X number of attempts to qualify the driver would earn a provisional. It was somewhere in the mid 30's that would qualify on speed and the rest would get in on a provisional. I can't figure out why that was an issue.

The hosts of NASCAR Radio's morning show seem to indicate that there is a good possibility that your/my driver isn't going to make each race. I don't remember it that way at all. If it were the case that a, let's say, Carl Edwards didn't qualify, you can bet damn well a ride would be bought to get him in the race along with his sponsor. That's happened before. Remember Michael Waltrip for one?

 

[buckaroo]

I don't remember the so-called stars of NASCAR going home every week because they didn't qualify. Yes, I know about Petty, way back when. I believe that's why they put in the Past Champions Provisional.

In 2004, three or four cars with full time sponsors, Scott Wimmer, Scott Riggs, Ward Burton and Kyle Petty failed to make every race because part time race cars beat them out. NASCAR decided to reward the full time sponsors in order to keep them around by instituting the top 35 rule.

 

[SST55]

Personally I think the fastest 43 cars that quailify ought to race and if a past champ can't make it in, well that's the way it is.

 

[foehammer111]

Personally I think the fastest 43 cars that quailify ought to race and if a past champ can't make it in, well that's the way it is.

Sounds good on paper, but what happens if Stewart crashes during qualifying and a start & park car makes it into the race instead? There would be a lot of empty seats because fewer people would want to commit their hard earned money to see a race live when their drive might not be in the show.

It's just good for business to have NASCAR protect the drivers, sponsors, and teams that are committed to the sport.

 

[dpkimmel2001]

Sounds good on paper, but what happens if Stewart crashes during qualifying and a start & park car makes it into the race instead? There would be a lot of empty seats because fewer people would want to commit their hard earned money to see a race live when their drive might not be in the show.

It's just good for business to have NASCAR protect the drivers, sponsors, and teams that are committed to the sport.

If Stewart crashed, he buy his way in by purchasing one of those start & park rides.

 

[SST55]

Exactly

Remember back a few years where the 43rd spot was referred to as DW"s home away from home?

 

[foehammer111]

If Stewart crashed, he buy his way in by purchasing one of those start & park rides.

So what's the difference between the top-35 rule, and having the big name drivers buy their way into the race? The result is the same.

 

[dpkimmel2001]

So what's the difference between the top-35 rule, and having the big name drivers buy their way into the race? The result is the same.

In the manner that the big name driver gets into the race, the result is the same. At the same time though, that start & park position would become a valuable commodity too. They would have the opportunity to benefit greatly in that situation.

 

[HUTfan]

I liked the previous rule. 35 fastest with 7 provisionals.

Only allowing 7 drivers to race their way in is stupid.

 

[buckaroo]

Wasn't it the top 40 with three provisionals?

 

[wilson89]

I rather liked the early 2000's rule. Fastest 39 make it in regardless of who it is and the last 4 spots goes to the top 4 drivers in points that didnt make it.

That went out after the last Talledaga race they used that format for, I remember Steve Park I belive it was in 26th place in points and couldnt make it along with several other big name drivers and teams, while one off driver and team combo's made it.

 

[GREAT AMERICAN RACE FAN]

If Stewart crashed, he buy his way in by purchasing one of those start & park rides.

Good idea, like Waltrip did on his farewell tour to make the 600. He bought a hard earned spot from Carl Long.

 

[Tennessee Racing]

Sounds good on paper, but what happens if Stewart crashes during qualifying and a start & park car makes it into the race instead? There would be a lot of empty seats because fewer people would want to commit their hard earned money to see a race live when their drive might not be in the show.

It's just good for business to have NASCAR protect the drivers, sponsors, and teams that are committed to the sport.

Or worse if JR does.....Like it or not you gotta protect the money makers.....