Superspeedway Qualifying Format Updated

Superspeedway Qualifying Format Updated for Talladega, Daytona

New Structure to Feature Two Rounds to Determine Pole Winner

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 30, 2015) – NASCAR today unveiled modifications to the qualifying format at superspeedways across all three national series. The updated format will take effect at Talladega Superspeedway for the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next month.

Qualifying for May’s Talladega Superspeedway races, as well as the July events at Daytona International Speedway, will consist of the following:

·         Two rounds of qualifying, with the top-12 posted lap speeds advancing to the second round

·         Race vehicles taking one, timed lap in each round of qualifying

·         Each race vehicle will be released in a predetermined timed interval as determined by NASCAR, with the sanctioning body reserving the right to have more than one vehicle engaging in qualifying runs at the same time

·         Qualifying order for the first round will be determined by a random draw; final round qualifying order is determined by slowest to fastest speeds from the first round

·         A 10-minute break will occur between the first qualifying round and the final round

·         Upon completion of the first qualifying round, the field will be set with positions 13 and beyond determined from first round qualifying speed

·         The 12 fastest vehicles from the first round will have their speeds reset for the final round with starting positions 1-12 determined by the fastest laps in the final round

·         NASCAR will impound race vehicles following each qualifying lap; vehicles advancing to the final round will be allowed to adjust tape and utilize a cool-down unit during the 10-minute break only

Qualifying procedures for the 2016 Daytona 500 will be announced at a later date.

Daytona to make safety improvements

Daytona to make safety improvements before July races: Following the completion of the February race events, Daytona International Speedway, working closely with NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation (ISC), performed an extensive review of the facility and developed a significant plan for additional safety initiatives. Prior to the July NASCAR weekend, the following safety initiatives will be completed:
" Additional 20,000 square feet of asphalt in Turn 1
" Realignment of a portion of the inside retaining wall from infield road course exit to Turn 1
" Installation of SAFER barrier (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) on realigned retaining wall and existing retaining wall in Turn 1
" Installation of SAFER barrier on retaining wall at pit road exit
" Installation of SAFER barrier between the exit of Turn 4 to pit road entry
"In addition, based on material availability and timing, we will install SAFER barrier on the outside backstretch wall and will complete as much as possible prior to the July NASCAR weekend. Following the July races, we will complete any remaining installation of SAFER barrier on the outside backstretch wall, and continue to install SAFER barrier on the remaining areas of the property. We will provide additional updates regarding our safety initiatives as circumstances warrant. The safety of the competitors and our fans is our top priority." DIS president Joie Chitwood III.(DIS)(3-11-2015)

NASCAR tweak its qualifying program

3/16/15
NASCAR continues to tweak its qualifying program, this time turning things around 180 degrees -- literally.
Starting next week at Auto Club Speedway, cars will be reversed along pit road, so they don't have to back out to pull onto pit road at the start of qualifying. NASCAR officials confirmed the change Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway, saying it came at the request of the drivers.
By lining the cars up with their backs to the wall and not their noses, it should reduce the possibility of pit road collisions and contact, as well as make it easier for drivers to pull out at the beginning of each qualifying session.

New rules limits crew members on pit road at end of race

New rules limits crew members on pit road at end of race: A new NASCAR postrace procedure for Sprint Cup teams could limit the possibility of a big postrace brawl breaking out, as one did at Texas Motor Speedway last November. NASCAR officials confirmed Saturday they will stop all cars on pit road following a race because NASCAR must collect the tapered spacer used to limit air flow through the engine. That piece is issued to teams on a weekly basis so that teams cannot alter it. With just a couple of crew members needed to remove the spacer, NASCAR has issued an edict that only two crew members per car will be allowed at each Cup car immediately after the race. That will keep pit road from getting too cluttered, officials say. With only two crew members at each car after a Cup race, that will limit the number of crew members from each team in a contained area. In the past, several crew members would surround the top-5 cars on pit road and the crews would surround the rest when they parked at their haulers postrace.(ESPN)(3-1-2015)