Comments from the NASCAR world on changes to qualifying

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“I think the direction NASCAR has taken on a new qualifying format is exactly what we need and I applaud them for taking this step. These two qualifying sessions will be pressure-packed for the teams and drivers which will make it very exciting for the fans to watch. This will give us three action-packed days for the STP 500 weekend March 28-30.”

Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell

“Heck, I’m all for anything that makes it fun not only the fans but the drivers and teams too! This is really going shake things up on Fridays – in a good way. I’m all for it. It’s time we go out and get the 5-hour ENERGY Toyota a darn pole!”

Clint Bowyer

“Bristol is known for intense, on-track battles, and this new format takes the emotion and energy in the qualifying sessions to another level,” said Bristol Motor Speedway General Manager Jerry Caldwell. “It’s definitely going to be exciting for our race fans, and as the first short-track on the schedule, it will be interesting to see how it plays out on the high banks.”

A half-mile track, qualifying at Bristol now consists of two rounds. The first round lasts 30 minutes and includes all entered cars/trucks. Following a 10-minute break, the fastest 12 machines from the first session run an additional 10-minute round to determine starting positions one through 12. All remaining starting positions are based on times posted in the first round.

BMS President Jerry Caldwell

“The new qualifying format will take time trials to a completely new level. It provides our race fans another exciting element within the race weekend. The idea of determining a pole winner with three qualifying rounds at a unique place like Darlington Raceway will require both skill and focus. Especially in the final five-minute segment! NASCAR has made an innovative change that has the race fan in mind and I applaud their efforts. I think all of our race fans will enjoy the new format during the Bojangles’ Southern 500 weekend at the track ‘Too Tough to Tame’ on April 11-12.”

Chip Wile – Darlington Raceway

“This is a great move by NASCAR that will bring even more excitement to an action-packed day at Richmond International Raceway,” said RIR President Dennis Bickmeier. “Fans are going to be treated to a new level of intensity with qualifying events that are in line with the RIR brand. Combine that with a seat for the ToyotaCare 250 and BLUE OX 100, and you have one of the best ticket values in all of sports entertainment.”

Dennis Bickmeier – Richmond International Raceway

 

“I think fans are going to love this because it basically means another race day to race weekend. Qualifying day is going to be a race in and of itself with speed, a lot of competition and a lot of strategy. You are going to have to worry not only about getting a perfect lap but that somebody else doesn’t come down and mess up your line a little bit. They may squeeze you down a little bit and you have got to get out of the gas a little earlier than you might otherwise. It’s completely different than qualifying before and the fans are going to be here on this case, Saturday, April 5, for qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. They are going to see some strange things for the first time ever in qualifying at Texas Motor Speedway. I think these fans are going to love it. This really almost has gotten 100 percent unanimous support from what I’ve seen so far.”  
 
Eddie Gossage – Texas Motor Speedway
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