Traditional provisional system no longer exists in any of the three national series
Qualifying speeds still determine the starting lineup
Highest-ranked 35 in Nextel Cup, highest-ranked 30 who competed in all events in the Busch Series and the Craftsman Truck Series are guaranteed a starting position
Champion's provisional in all three national series
Daytona 500 Starting Lineup
"35-4-3-1" simplifies the procedure
Highest-ranked 35 in 2004 owner points
4 not among the 35 advance from the Twin 150s (2 from each)
3 will get in on speed/qualifying time
1 former series champion
Impound Procedure
Post-qualifying impound procedure will be used in all three national series
Cost-containment measure for teams
Following qualifying, starting field will be impounded until race day
Teams will not be permitted to work on their cars unless for special circumstances and authorized by NASCAR officials
Highlights of Nextel Cup impound rule
Where:
21 of 36 point races
Friday:
Two hours of practice
Saturday:
Bud Pole qualifying
Saturday:
Cars impounded following post-qualifying inspection
Saturday:
No practice or "Happy Hour"
Series Director John Darby:
"Ultimately, all the teams will arrive at the track with a focus on one goal. That goal will be to have the best possible race set-up, and hopefully that will enhance the overall competitive element throughout the field."
New procedure will alter the traditional race weekend schedule
Traditional race weekend (Friday-Sunday): two hours practice on Friday, qualifying Saturday and then the cars would be impounded immediately following post-qualifying inspection
Nextel Cup events using the procedure: California (both races); Atlanta (both); Bristol (both); Phoenix (both); Darlington; Richmond (both); Pocono (both); Michigan (both); Daytona (July); New Hampshire (both); Watkins Glen; and Kansas.
Additional events may be added during the season
All Busch and Craftsman Truck events will use the impound procedure
Gear Ratio Rule
Put in place in all three national series to contain team costs and further enhance competition
Restrict teams to NASCAR-determined gear ratios at each event that will limit the maximum RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) that all engines will be able to produce in competition
Nextel Cup will have two gear ratios to choose from; Busch and Craftsman Truck will have a range
Rule will be in effect at every track with the exception of the two restrictor-plate tracks, Daytona and Talladega
Each vehicle equipped with a data logger, which measures the RPMs during all on-track activity, with the exceptions being Daytona and Talladega
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