NASCAR will make changes to the Nextel Cup qualifying format sooner rather than later. A source within NASCAR confirmed to Captain Thunder that they would indeed change the way teams qualify for Nextel Cup races, and the changes will take place this season instead of next. Currently, all race entries are placed in to a lottery type format to decide qualifying order and all entries must qualify against one another. But, not for long. Beginning with the first Chase race at New Hampshire, teams inside the top 35 in owner points will qualify separately from teams outside of the Top 35. Teams inside the Top 35 will qualify first with teams outside of the Top 35 qualifying later in the day. In the event of a rain out after Top 35 qualifying is over, the remaining eight spots will be decided by owner points and past champion’s provisional’s. If qualifying is completely rained out, NASCAR will still revert back to owner points.(Captain Thunder Racing)(8-14-2007) UPDATE: NASCAR Tuesday denied an Internet report that a new qualifying format would be announced this season. According to the report on an Internet fan site, the fan said an inside source’ at NASCAR told them that the sanctioning body would be announcing a new qualifying format as soon as the New Hampshire race in September. While NASCAR has made no secret of the fact that they are exploring possible changes in the qualifying format, NASCAR spokesperson Ramsey Poston denied that an announcement would be made this year.(Cup Scene Daily)(8-14-2007)
