Daytona qualifying format unique, confusing
Johnson, Waltrip secure front row starting positions in 43-car field
 | Jimmie Johnson, left, poses with Michael Waltrip after qualifying first and second, respectively, for the Daytona 500. |
Rusty Jarrett / Getty Images for NASCAR |
 | Slideshow |
 | Battle for the Cup Three-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson suffered a big hit in his points lead heading into the second-to-last Chase race. Check out the top 12. NBCSports.com |
| Slideshow |
 | NBCSports.com |
 | INTERACTIVE |
 | NASCAR wives and girlfriends They're fixtures in pit row, but they don't drive on the track or work on the cars. Take a look at some notable NASCAR wives and girlfriends. |
| Slideshow |
 | more photos |
 | Slide show |
 | Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos |
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The qualifying procedure for the Daytona 500 is a unique and complicated process that began Sunday with Jimmie Johnson and Michael Waltrip locking in the front row starting positions in the 43-car field.
All 53 drivers who made qualifying attempts Sunday earned starting positions in one of two 150-mile qualifying races Thursday.
The top 35 in the final car owner points of 2007 are guaranteed starting spots for the first five races of 2008. Those drivers, plus the top two finishers in each qualifier not in the top 35 will fill positions three through 39 next Sunday.
The fastest remaining drivers from Sunday’s time trials will then complete the field — with one possible exception.
The final spot in the field would go to a former Cup champion who doesn’t make the lineup on speed or in the qualifying races. The only former champions not among the 35 already guaranteed for a starting spot are Bill Elliott (1988), Dale Jarrett (1999) and Kurt Busch (2004).
Each former champion can use that provisional up to six times during a season.
Elliott is running a part-time schedule, Jarrett plans to run only the first five races before retiring from driving and Busch gave up his 2007 points position to rookie teammate and former open-wheel champion Sam Hornish Jr.
That guarantees Hornish starting spots in the first five races and also assures Busch, as the more recent former champ, of being in the field for each race until the 2008 top 35 kicks in at the sixth race.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
LowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM NASCAR / MOTORS |
 NASCAR / Motors Section Front |
| Add NASCAR / Motors headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links