The 2022 NASCAR season is expected to see multiple changes. Chief among them is the introduction of the Next Gen car for the Cup Series. However, the latest change revolves around the practice and qualifying format for all three national series. According to reports, the stock car series could take a page out of Formula One and MotoGP’s books.
To be precise, the sport is planning to introduce a knockout-style format for all three series. Of course, the system will vary, based on the track type and series. Unlike this season, every event will have a qualifying session before the race, so there will be no more formula-based grid. Evidently, NASCAR believes that some semblance of normalcy can be restored to the race weekend, ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“NASCAR is excited to return practice and qualifying to its race weekends,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition. “We missed seeing cars and trucks on track all weekend long, and so did our fans. We worked closely with our broadcast partners, teams and racetracks to create an exciting, unique qualifying format. While keeping several of the efficiencies that helped our entire industry successfully navigate the pandemic.”
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How will this NASCAR qualifying format work?
According to reports, the Cup grid will be split into two groups. With that, they will participate in a two-hour practice and qualifying event together. It is also worth mentioning that around six Cup, five Xfinity and eight Truck events will be regarded as expanded weekends. For the uninitiated, this comprises of a single 50-minute practice session before qualifying.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 26, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Cup Series will see the expanded sessions at the Daytona 500, Atlanta, Bristol Dirt, Gateway, Nashville and the Phoenix finale. Meanwhile, the Xfinity drivers will compete in these sessions at Daytona, Atlanta, Portland, Nashville and Phoenix. Finally, the Truck grid will do the same at Daytona, Atlanta, Bristol Dirt, Knoxville, Sonoma, Mid-Ohio, Nashville and Phoenix.
