Can someone please explain how qualifying works for Daytona? I'm sorry but, after I started thinking about it, I realized, I really have no idea. I know they did it Sunday, but, is that just for the duels? I know the top 35 in owner points get in, leaving 8 spots for others to race in. 2 of those spots were filled by the 2 top teams with the best time. Now, that leaves 6 spots open for the duels. Then those could be filled by DJ or another driver for past champions or is it past race winners? Now leaving 5 for the fastest drivers? I'm sorry for being a dumbass. But, do they do qualifying again or place those drivers who got the spots in the duels and put them in the back, then place Waltrip, Kenseth and Kahne last, how do they decide out of those guys who is put last? I'm really sorry ... but I am totally confused and getting my confused as I try to type this out
You should have caught the Schoolhouse Rock version of how the Daytona 500 field is set on SPEED channel this weekend, lol.
It is a very complicated procedure, however here is the breakdown:
Qualifying Procedure for the Gatorade Duel/Daytona 500:
Budweiser Pole Day: This “locks in” the first two positions – the front row – for the Daytona 500. It also establishes the starting orders for the Gatorade Duel at Daytona, which are two 150-mile qualifying races for the Daytona 500.
The fastest car earns the pole for the Daytona 500 AND the pole for the first Gatorade Duel race.
The second-fastest car earns the outside pole for the Daytona 500 AND the pole for the second Gatorade Duel race.
The Gatorade Duel at Daytona: These two 150-mile qualifying races set positions 3-39 for the Daytona 500.
A combined total of 66 cars will be allowed into the two Gatorade Duel races.
Cars must compete in one of the Gatorade Duel races, in order to race in the Daytona 500.
Odd-number finishers in the final 2006 car owner point standings (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) are in the first Gatorade Duel race.
Even-number finishers in the final 2006 car owner point standings (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) are in the second Gatorade Duel race.
Additional qualified cars that weren’t in the final 2006 top 35 are alternated between the two Gatorade Duel fields using an odd-even format.
Setting the Daytona 500 field: Cars that finished in the top 35 in the 2006 car owner point standings automatically make the Daytona 500 field. The top two starting positions are determined by Budweiser Pole Day qualifying speeds. Positions 3-39 are determined by finishing orders in the Gatorade Duel races. The final four spots in the 43-car field will be based on Budweiser Pole Day qualifying speeds of cars that have not already earned a starting position. However, if there is an eligible Nextel Cup Series past champion entered who has not already qualified, that past champion will receive the 43rd and final position. If there is more than one past champion eligible for this berth, it goes to the most recent champion.
hehe yeah it did thanks so much - sorry to be a pain!
now please dont shoot me, but where does Kahne, Waltrip and Kenseth go? and, ummmm I did watch Speed all weekend except for friday and my friends made fun of me for it lol
Kahne and Kenseth will be starting at the rear of the duel races. As for Waltrip.... he'll also be at the rear, whatever car he will be using is unclear. Today he said he expects to have his car back on Wednesday that NASCAR confiscated. Guess we'll find out what happens when the penalities are announced tomorrow or Wednesday morning.
Waltrip is just being hopeful....all reports are saying that he will have to use his backup and he could still face suspension and points deducted just like Kahne and Kenseth.
I think Waltrip is going to have his Toyota ass handed to him. If NASCAR was that strict to those 4 teams already.... I can imagine whats going to happen to him.
I cant believe all of Ray's cars were found to have something wrong with them. Oh well, the Teletubbies made a come back after all that last year. How sad is it that they fudged their cars got caught, and cars werent all that great. I guess Ray's teams were just trying to follow last years cheaten champ Jimmie ...thats with an "IE". Glad you like the quote
