Feb
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NASCAR Modifes Past Champion Provisional Qualifying Rules
February 1, 2007 | Posted by VroomDude
1 Comment
NASCAR continues to monkey with assorted rules for the 2007 season, this time turning their attention on past champion provisional qualifying:
NASCAR changed its Nextel Cup past champions provisional Wednesday to limit it to only six uses per season.
There had previously been no limit to how many times a past Cup champion could use the provisional to ensure a spot in the field each week. The provisional was set aside for the 43rd spot in the race to the most recent former champion who did not qualify based on speed.
Now, a driver can only use the spot six times in a year, and the limit also applies to the entire team so that a car owner can’t use multiple past champions in the course of one season.
“As NASCAR seeks to place more emphasis on competition, we have decided the time is right to limit the number of provisionals allowed,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s competition director. “We believe this revision brings the provisional policy in line with the continued growth of the sport.”
Jack Roush likely smiled at the news, just as Dale Jarrett started looking around for a dog to kick when he heard about the changes. DJ is the driver most affected by the changes, as his 1999 championship would have given him a free pass into races this year with his new Toyota team.
With the new rules, though, he’ll need to qualify based on speed, and can’t rely on the past champion provisional. That said, it’s hard to imagine he’ll struggle to qualify, and he still has six past champion provisionals in his back pocket to use, if and when he needs them.
Comments
1 Comment so far
Hi,
I love F1, but trying to get to know Nascar a bit better. I find it hard to follow sometimes, with the oval circuits, not realy knowing who is in front etc. But the graphics on screen are far better than we have in F1. I will keep a look out for your blog.