I think everyone should have to qualify on speed. Think where Michael or Ward might be in the standings if they had been in the races that they would have qualified for on speed. It's possilbe that that would be in the top 35 and be looking in from the outside.

Sally-
So you think EVERYONE should have to qualify in, regardless of where they are in points? And no benefit to those that are in the top 10-15?

I'm with Sally. EVERYBODY should have to race their way into the show every week. Exception would be weather cancelled qualifying - then take top 43 based on points.

Absolutely no exceptions except for weather. If a top 10 in points can't qualify on speed then let him go home. Why should a Ward or Michael have to go home if they have the speed to qualify.

I heard a great suggestion once that I completely agree with.

Everyone should have to qualify on speed, with one kind of provisional. Each team gets a provisional for each win in the previous year.

I thought that was a neat concept. I'm a big Ward Burton fan and it absolutely kills me when he's fast enough to make the races but can't get in because of the 35 rule.

Also, his team's engines would be a lot better for the actual race would they not have to stress them for fast qualifying.

Sadie -
Do you mean winners per track? So for instance, this weeks Daytona race, the provisional would go to Tony Stewart as he was last year's race winner? He would be the only one in the field with a guaranteed spot?

Tony is a past champion so he already has 6 "past champion provisionals"
Brian Vickers would be in this race because he won a race last year...

Here's something from Jayski's that'll expain who's in and out if qualifying is cancelled..

Qualifying Cancelled? so what happens if qualifying is cancelled?

If it is the first 5 races of the season, the previous season OWNERS points are used:

#1) - Previous season Owner Points [position 1-35]
#2) - Race winners from the previous and current season not already in the field
#3) - Past Nextel Cup Champions not in by 1 or 2
#4) - Current season Owner Points [Top 35][not in by rules 1-3]
#5) - Current season race attempts ties broken by current owners points standings
(if the first race of season, would be race attempts from the previous season)

If it is after the first 5 races of the season, the current season OWNERS points are used:

#1) - First 35 by current Owner Points
#2) - Previous Years Cup Champ or the Event Champion if already NOT in the field by step 1
#3) - Car Owners whose team has won in the previous and current season not already in the field
#4) - Drivers who have won in the previous and current season not already in the field
#5) - Past Nextel Cup Champions not in by 1 thru 4
#6) - Qualifying Attempts with Owners points as the tie breaker
#7) - Qualifying Order Position

(all above apply as long as the team was entered by the entry deadline - usually 13 days before the race)

I was more wondering what everyone thought about tossing out the Top-35 rule and whether drivers should have to qualify on speed only.

If weather played a factor going forward, then I think they should line up by points. I would assume that Ward wouldn't be where he is today if there were no Top-35 rule.

Do you have an opinion on that, Trudy?

Keara-
So you are all for having to qualify in, without exceptions?

As a person who has been preaching about this since 2004 ..yes , I would like the 43 fastest cars to make a race ..is that practical with marketing ..no , so in light of that , NASCAR can protect the drivers that made the chase the previous year , they worked for it , so give them that reward ..but with that said , they take away the championship provisional , it has out lived what it was set up for .I knew this year would be horrendous with all the new teams ..and it has proven to be so ..

I think when qualifying gets canceled that Nascar should make every effort to reshedule..Have qualifying rather than happy hour..I guess for the impound races like this one it might be harder but they could try..

I don't think they should do away with all the provisionals but I do think once a Past Champion retires he shouldn't be able to come back use up his 6 and re retire..I don't think that's what Nascar had in mind when they gave them..

To be honest with you I couldn't tell you where Ward would be without that top 35 rule..All the teams would change how they qualify and with all the new Toyota teams..Ginn..and the others the competition has been fearsome .. Martinsville was one they should have made but didn't due to brake issues and the Texas race we'll never know ..I think he would have had a better chance without that rule ..made a few more races..

I think everyone should qualify with the fastest cars getting in regardless of where they are in points. Not a big fan of the "Chase" concept and wish it would go away. Drivers in the top 12 shouldn't be given extra points.

Hi Jen, Its me again - I do not like the chase. Qualifying is the only way to go. No special treatment, the fastest car gets to start first. And every car & driver should be allowed to compete throughout the entire race season. That is what makes racing exciting!!!!

Hey Jenn, I'm not for the chase I'm for the speed. That's how they all race around here, I think it gives the other drivers more of a chance to show what they have.

I have read many blogs about this topic. The opinion is basically the same wherever you go...

SO, THE BIG QUESTION IS:

Will NASCAR listen to the majority of fans when it comes to qualifying?

No, I think the only one Nascar listens to is Nascar!

"Will NASCAR listen to the majority of fans when it comes to qualifying?"

Are you kidding? They haven't listened to us yet, what makes anyone think they will now?

I just wish that Ward's team had enough resources to lease their engines from Hendrick or Childress. When you have to set up your car for qualifying to make the race and then, if its an impound race, you can't set it up for long runs so even if he makes the race, he will drop like a rock and if the gearing is not right that's something you can't change during the race so he's doomed to a bad finish even if he finishes the race. This top 35 rule once you get yourself above the 35th position its almost impossible to get back in. Nascar basically s--ks if your a Ward fan.

I won't say it sucks to be a Ward fan but are you guys watching qualifying? It's raining and the pole sitter might have to go home if it don't stop..How twisted is that?

I missed qualifying but now know that they are lining up by points. How many drivers had qualified before that had to cancel it? Does anyone know? That is a shame for those that would have made it in...Said, Riggs, Waltrip...

I say let all the cars that show up to the track that make a minimum speed- race. Increase the field.

When is Hamlin gonna figure out that when you are first you don't slow down.