When NASCAR announced its new qualifying procedures for 2005 last week, questions surrounded the Daytona 500, which has a unique qualifying format, which in the past has included Bud Pole Qualifying, two qualifying races, qualifying speeds and provisional starting positions. With the exception of the so-called “Champion’s Provisional,” the provisional system has been done away with. The qualifying races have been extended to 150 miles each, from 125 in the past. The only sure thing at this point, according to NASCAR spokesman Mike Zizzo, is that the top 35 team owners from the 2004 Nextel Cup owners’ standings are guaranteed starting positions in the race. Beyond that, Zizzo said, the qualifying format is “still being tweaked,” with the details expected when the race’s entry blank is available.(NASCAR.com)(1-19-2005)
