NASCAR is streamlining its approach to qualifying in 2025, introducing a fresh format across all three national series. The new structure simplifies sessions while still maintaining the competitive edge fans and teams expect. From superspeedways to road courses, each track type will have tailored qualifying rules to enhance efficiency and fairness.
Superspeedways: Two-Round Drama
At superspeedways such as Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, the qualifying format will feature two rounds. In the opening round, all cars will take single-lap runs, with the top 10 drivers advancing to a final round. This final shootout will determine the first five rows of the starting grid, while the remaining positions will be set based on times from the opening round.
This two-round format is designed to add excitement to qualifying at tracks where drafting and aerodynamics are critical, giving fans and teams a high-stakes final round to determine the fastest drivers.
One-Round Simplicity for Most Tracks
For all other ovals, qualifying will consist of a single round of timed laps. This streamlined approach reduces track time while ensuring teams have a fair shot at securing strong starting positions. The simplicity of a single round allows teams to focus on precision and strategy, knowing they’ll only get one opportunity to post their best lap.
Road Courses: Group Sessions Return
Road courses will see a return to the popular group qualifying format, splitting the field into two groups based on a pre-determined metric. Each group will have 20 minutes to set their best lap times, with no final round.
This change allows for more action on track and minimizes the potential impact of traffic, a common challenge during qualifying at road courses. It also ensures drivers can adapt to changing track conditions and make strategic decisions within the allotted time.
The Metric: A New Order
For 2025, NASCAR is adopting a revised metric to determine the qualifying order. The order will be based on:
• 70%: The car’s finishing position in the previous race.
• 30%: The team’s owner points standings.
This approach rewards recent performance while still recognizing the consistency of high-performing teams throughout the season. It’s designed to provide balance, ensuring competitive fairness across the grid.
Reactions to the Changes
The response to the new format has been mixed among drivers and teams. Some appreciate the streamlined approach, citing reduced time on track as a benefit for both logistics and car preparation. Others, however, have voiced concerns about losing the traditional multi-round drama at certain tracks.
“The new system makes sense for efficiency,” said a team representative. “But we’ll need to see how it plays out in real-world scenarios, especially on the superspeedways where drafting plays such a big role.”
Fans, too, are eager to see how the changes will impact the intensity of qualifying sessions. The new group sessions at road courses, in particular, are expected to provide plenty of on-track action.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2025 qualifying format reflects NASCAR’s ongoing effort to balance tradition with innovation, keeping the sport engaging for fans while improving efficiency for teams. With new qualifying rules in place, the upcoming season promises a fresh dynamic to the battle for pole positions across all three series.
The first test of the new system will come at the season-opening Daytona 500 in February. Will the changes bring more drama to the superspeedway spectacle, or will teams miss the longer, multi-round formats of the past?
Stay tuned to see how the new qualifying structure shapes the 2025 season!
