Change is Good?
The group qualifying format had been in use for more than five years, but with the new aerodynamic package this year it created things not many seen coming. A few weeks back at California the final twelve drivers didn’t even register a final lap due to them strategically waiting. The fans where left with a show that wasn’t honestly worth watching or as Scott Miller the VP of competition was quoted saying.
Scott Miller NASCAR VP of Competition
“It wasn’t a very compelling show. We owe it to our fans to provide something that is worth watching.”
After a lot of back and forth conversations and multiple band aid attempts. They have immediately decided to implement these specific changes, as followed no longer will there be multiple elimination style rounds. On tracks 1.25 miles or bigger it will be one lap to determine the lineup. On tracks 1.25 miles and shorter they will get the best of two laps. However, the group style qualifying will still be used on road course races. The qualifying changes bring back a classic battle most fans missed seeing before the actual races.
Driver vs. Track
The group qualifying format took away from the battle for the pole. It took away the ability for a single driver with his or her machine to go out and battle the track. This change brings back the format a lot of people wanted along with that battle. It also has some big names excited to watch as well Dale Earnhardt Jr. posted on twitter yesterday.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Twitter response to qualifying changes
“I’m looking forward to broadcasting some single car qualifying later this year.”
Single car qualifying should bring back the excitement within the battle for the pole. It will pit driver against track and only allow them one run to get a good spot. Instead of a strategic aerodynamic attack at the track. The change is going to make a driver take a corner way to fast to possibly get that extra tenth of a second because they only have one attempt. Xfinity driver: Chase Briscoe said on twitter.
While this will be good for fans in my opinion I think it will also help some of the smaller teams. That being said it will depend on how and when NASCAR implements the two minute breaks they are planning to get the commercials into the broadcast. It will allow the under funded teams the TV time for the sponsors they have on board the car. If they plan it right and don’t resort to what some fans are worried they will and that’s planning the breaks around the smaller teams qualifying effort. NASCAR VP of competition Steve Miller is optimistic that they may be able to even show an almost uninterrupted qualifying session.
Conclusion
None the less ladies and gentlemen while this wasn’t a flashy change it was a needed one. The long over due change has came, and I hope to see the fan base enjoy what they’ve been screaming for tomorrow around 1 PM when the trucks get back on the track at Dover! Keep up with everything racing related here with the Belly Up racing page and follow my personal NASCAR pages on Facebook and Twitter!
