How NASCAR Qualifying Works

NASCAR sets race starting lineups through time-based qualifying that varies by track type: single-car, two-round runs on most ovals; group “knockout” sessions on road courses; and streamlined single-car formats at superspeedways, with the Daytona 500 using a special time-trial-plus-Duels system. Below is a clear breakdown of how it all works across the NASCAR Cup Series, with notes for Xfinity and Craftsman Trucks.

The Core Idea: Fastest Laps Set the Grid

At its simplest, NASCAR qualifying ranks drivers by speed. Each car completes either a single timed lap (or a brief timed session, on road courses). The faster your time, the better your starting position. The exact procedure—how many rounds, how many laps, whether runs are single-car or in groups—depends on the track type and the series.

Qualifying Formats by Track Type (NASCAR Cup Series)

Most Ovals (non-superspeedway)

On the majority of ovals, NASCAR uses single-car, round-based qualifying. Drivers run one at a time; the quickest advance to a final round that sets the pole.

• Two-round format: Round 1 includes all cars; the fastest 10 advance.
• Single-car runs: Usually one timed lap in each round; at some shorter tracks, two laps may be allowed with the best counting.
• Round 2 (top-10 shootout): Those 10 run again for the pole and top-10 grid spots.
• Remaining positions are set by Round 1 times (drivers who didn’t advance).

This format balances fairness (clean air, no drafting games) with a dramatic final shootout for the pole on most weekends.

Road Courses

On road courses, NASCAR uses a group “knockout” format to reflect the longer lap times and varying sections of the track.

• Two groups (A and B) run timed sessions (typically around 12–15 minutes each).
• The five fastest from each group advance to a final, shorter session.
• The final session sets the top 10, with the fastest earning the pole.
• All remaining positions are set by each driver’s best time in their initial group session.

This approach lets drivers build tire temperature and find clean gaps on longer circuits while preserving a head-to-head fight for pole in the final round.

Superspeedways (Daytona, Talladega, Atlanta)

At high-speed drafting tracks, NASCAR uses simplified single-car runs to minimize the effect of packs and to keep the process safe and straightforward.

• Two-round, single-car format.
• Round 1: One timed lap per car; the 10 fastest advance.
• Round 2: One timed lap per car among the top 10 to set the pole.
• Special case: The Daytona 500 time trials typically use two timed laps in Round 1 (best counts); details below.

These formats ensure drafting dynamics don’t distort qualifying while still rewarding outright speed and execution.

The Daytona 500: A Special, Two-Part Process

The Daytona 500 sets its lineup through a unique combination of midweek single-car time trials and the Thursday night Duels, reflecting the event’s marquee status.

• Time Trials (single-car runs): The two fastest overall lock the front row (pole and P2).
• Open cars (non-charter) in time trials: The two fastest open entries lock into the 40-car field.
• Duels (two qualifying races): Determine starting positions for most of the field. The highest finishing open car in each Duel (beyond any already locked by speed) also secures a spot. If the already-locked open cars also race in via the Duels, any remaining open spots revert to the next-fastest open cars from time trials.
• Final grid: Front row from time trials; positions 3–40 set by Duel results plus the open-entry rules above.

This format blends pure speed (time trials) with racecraft (Duels), ensuring the Daytona 500 grid reflects both outright pace and pack-racing prowess.

Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series: Similar, With Small Tweaks

Qualifying in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series mirrors the Cup approach, with minor differences in field sizes and session lengths.

• Ovals (non-superspeedway): Generally single-car, two-round formats; top 10 advance to a final round for the pole.
• Road courses: Two-group knockout sessions with a final round for the top 10.
• Superspeedways: Single-car, two-round format similar to Cup (without the Daytona 500’s Duel system).
• Field sizes: Xfinity typically 38 cars; Trucks typically 36 trucks (subject to current entry limits).

While the rhythm matches Cup, session timing and procedural nuances can vary slightly by series and event schedule.

Who Makes the Race: Charters, Open Spots, and Bumps

Beyond speed, NASCAR’s entry system shapes who gets in and how far qualifying can move the needle for smaller teams.

• Cup Series charters: 36 teams hold charters and are guaranteed starting spots each week.
• Open cars: Up to four non-charter entries can make the 40-car field, typically on speed—except at the Daytona 500, which uses the time trials and Duels process described above.
• Ties: Broken by owner points standings.

This system guarantees core participation while allowing fast independent entries to qualify into the show.

Ordering, Practice, and “Impound” Events

Weekend schedules are streamlined: brief practice, then qualifying—often under “impound” rules that limit post-qualifying adjustments.

• Qualifying order: Set by a NASCAR rulebook procedure that blends recent performance and owner points; at times, a draw may be used.
• Practice: Usually a short session before qualifying; formats can split the field into groups to manage track time.
• Impound: Many events go straight from qualifying into a secured garage; only limited adjustments are permitted before the race.

The goal is efficiency and parity: minimal tweaks after qualifying keep setups honest and prevent wholesale changes before the green flag.

Rainouts, Scrubbed Times, and Penalties

Weather and compliance checks can reshuffle the grid even after fast laps are set.

• Weather: If qualifying is canceled, NASCAR sets the starting lineup via rulebook metrics and/or owner points.
• Inspection: Failing pre- or post-qualifying inspection can disallow a time; the car typically starts at the rear and may incur penalties.
• Backup cars/engine changes: Moving to a backup car or unapproved engine change after qualifying usually requires starting at the rear.

These safeguards keep competition fair and ensure cars conform to the technical rulebook.

Strategy Factors Teams Manage

Even in single-lap formats, teams have choices that can decide fractions of a second.

• Tire prep and temps: Getting tires in the right temperature window is crucial for grip on short, decisive runs.
• Trim vs. stability: Aero balance for peak speed can trade off with stability, especially at high speed or in crosswinds.
• Timing the lap (road courses): Finding clean air and space on track during timed sessions maximizes lap potential.

Executed cleanly, these details often separate the pole from the second row in tightly matched fields.

Bottom Line

NASCAR qualifying is designed to reward speed while fitting the demands of each track type. Most ovals use single-car, two-round time trials; road courses run group knockout sessions; superspeedways use streamlined single-car formats; and the Daytona 500 layers in the Duels. Charters guarantee most Cup entries, with open spots earned on speed (or via the Duels at Daytona). Weather, inspections, and impound rules can all influence the final grid.

Who qualifies for the NASCAR playoffs?

The regular-season champion is guaranteed playoff eligibility, followed by drivers prioritized by number of regular-season race wins, then by total points earned.

How does a qualifying order get determined?

Order – Qualifying order is determined by reverse order of entrant points entering the event. Teams without entrant points will be placed at the front of the order and ordered by blind draw.

How to qualify as a NASCAR driver?

You can apply through NASCAR headquarters or through a local NASCAR-licensed track. Everyone associated with your team will also have to get a license [source: Martin, Tuschak]. Even if you’re already a racing champion in another organization, NASCAR requires you to submit an application and resume.

How does the NASCAR qualifying work?

NASCAR qualifying involves drivers setting timed laps, with the format varying by track type for the 2025 season. At most tracks (short tracks and intermediate ovals), it’s a single round of qualifying, with drivers getting either one or two laps depending on the track length, and their fastest time determines their starting position. For superspeedways and road courses, a two-round format is used, where the fastest drivers advance to a final round to determine the pole position, with starting positions set by their best lap time. 
Key Aspects of 2025 Qualifying

• Track-Specific Formats: The rules differ based on the track’s characteristics. 
  • Short Tracks: Drivers receive two timed laps, with the fastest lap counting. 
  • Intermediate Tracks (1-2 miles): Drivers get one timed lap. 
  • Superspeedways: A two-round, two-session format is used where the fastest 10 drivers from the first round advance to a final round for the pole. 
  • Road Courses: Qualifying is held in two timed, 20-minute group sessions where the best lap from each group determines the starting positions. 
• Advancement in Two-Round Formats: In the superspeedway two-round format, the top 10 fastest drivers advance from the first round to set their final time in the second round to earn the top starting positions. 
• Starting Grid Determination: A driver’s fastest single lap in their final qualifying round determines their starting grid position for the race. 
• Practice and Qualifying Broadcast: NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying sessions are broadcast on platforms like Prime Video and Max/TruTV.