NASCAR – The new qualifying format

A system close to what we currently know in F1. Here is how to briefly summarize the new qualifications for the series of NASCAR. Regulars of American ovals will now be offered a much more competitive format according to the terms used by the officials. The three major series, the Camping Truck Series, the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series, are affected. Here's a quick overview of what's new.

First of all, the rules will be different depending on the type of circuit. NASCAR has decided to separate tracks 1,25 miles and longer from others. For the latter, the specific rules are as follows:

– A first 30-minute session will take place with all cars on track. Positions from thirteenth place and beyond will be judged there.
– A mandatory 10-minute break will be taken.
– A second ten-minute session with the 12 best times from the first will determine the rest of the grid and the author of the pole.

For ovals 1,25 miles and larger, the specific rules are as follows:

– A first 25-minute session with all the cars on track (The positions of twenty-fifth place and beyond will be known at the end of this session.).
– A mandatory 5-minute break.
– A second 10-minute session with the 24 best times from the first session. (Positions 13 to 24 will then be determined)
– New 5 minute break.
– A third 5-minute session with the 12 best from the second. The author of the pole and the following 11 places will then be known.

In addition to these particular regulations, a rather substantial range of new rules have been established by NASCAR. It concerns all races except the Daytona 500 in the Sprint Cup and the Eldora Speedway race in the Truck Series.

– A draw will determine the order of arrival on the track during the first part of each qualification.
– Drivers’ times will be reset to zero for each qualifying session.
– Drivers will be able to complete as many laps as they want or can in each qualifying round.
– Only one set of tires will be allocated per driver for all qualifying sessions of a race.
– The mechanics will be able to adjust the tire pressure, the chassis and refill the oil in the engine only between each session. However, it will be forbidden to raise the engine hood and put the car on the jack. No refueling of gasoline will be possible.
– If a car is required to pass through the garages during the session, it will not be able to return to the track.
– In case of interruption by red flag, the remaining time will be stopped.
– In the event of rain, the ranking will be established according to the ranking of the last qualifying game played.
– In the event of a tie in time, it is the owner classification which will decide between them and the best classified car will have the highest position.
– The last seven places will be provisional places, including one for a former champion, if the latter participates in the weekend.

Profound modifications that seem to please the peloton. Brad Keselowski, 2012 Sprint Cup champion said that “this constitutes a return to the roots. » of discipline. NASCAR will resume on February 23 with the famous Daytona 500 in Florida. The new qualifying format will be debuted during the second race in Phoenix.