Automotive Journal

NASCAR qualifying results are used for every NASCAR race to determine the order cars take when the race begins. The process isn’t exactly straightforward as some positions are guaranteed by previous results and team standings, but overall the qualifying makes the biggest impact on the beginning of a race.

NASCAR qualifying results start with the drawing process. Qualifying order is set by the results of a random draw in which teams are selected to order them in their qualifying attempts. The order of runs is sequential, from low to high number. Speed increases as the track cools, so teams with higher numbers have a slight advantage.

The race has previously set the time for qualifying to begin. Based on numbers the teams take their turns, sending out one car at a time to qualify. Each car gets less than a lap to achieve full speed, gets a green flag when they cross the starting line, then take two laps with the faster of the two being their entry into the overall NASCAR qualifying results. Some drivers try to maximize their chances by taking the furthest outside path on their first lap, letting their engine warm up and gaining speed, so their second lap will be faster.

Sometimes drivers make another decisions in establishing NASCAR qualifying results. They gamble that it’s best to put less strain on the car with one all out first lap, skipping the second lap and going with their best shot at first lap time. Most often they go for both laps, trying to establish their best time.

NASCAR qualifying results are based strictly on time to complete a lap, not top speed. Ties are calculated to .001, but if there are any ties they are broken by highest points for the car’s owner.

Because of the way results are reported to the public, they think as previously stated that NASCAR qualifying results are based on speed rather than on time Media reports show qualifying in miles per hour, which is certainly tracked. But again, only the time in seconds for a lap matters.

The Daytona 500 doesn’t follow the standard NASCAR qualifying results methods, instead using its own rules. Owner points both from the previous season, for the first five races in the new season, and for the current season determine a number of guaranteed start positions.

When the qualifying has to be canceled NASCAR qualifying results are determined by the owner points.

As you can see there’s a lot to consider for NASCAR qualifying results, but when the rules are known it’s a pretty simple process.

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