Fan's Eye View ~
4/24/2013
Jim Fitzgerald
When the series rolls into Sonoma,
California for the June 23rd Toyota Save-Mart 350, the qualifying
format will not be what the drivers, teams or fans are familiar with. Cars will qualify for the event in small
groups instead of one by one. Robin
Pemberton, the NASCAR vice president of competition was very much in favor of
the switch to the new format.
“The change will add an
exciting element to road-course qualifying.
Fans will be treated to new strategy and increased competition with
several cars on track at once.”
The groups in which the cars will
attempt to qualify in and which cars are in which groups will be determined by
the number of cars which practice for the event as well as final practice
times. The groups will be on the track
for a predetermined amount on time, set by the series director, while the
starting time for each group will be when the first car crosses the starting
line as the session begins. The idea is
that the fastest lap each car completes during the group runs will be used as
the qualifying speed.
The track presidents of each of the
road courses chimed in on the new procedure.
Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen: “The
new format of qualifying at Watkins Glen International enhances the fan
experience which is our top priority.
Qualifying on Saturday for our Cheez-It 355 at The Glen (August 11th)
is even more of a not-to-be missed aspect of a weekend of high-quality racing.”
Steve Page, president and general manager of Sonoma
Raceway: “This is going to be a terrific new format for our NASCAR
weekend. It will intensify the action,
with multiple cars on the track at the same time. It’s a very positive
development for our fans.”
This new style of qualifying for the road course events will certainly
bring a new level of excitement to the track for the fans who watch the
qualifying events. Anything new is
usually exciting, until the novelty wears off, at least.
There are some who would like to see this format used at other tracks as
well. The concept used on multiple tracks
might bring some fan interest back into the event, and not rely on accompanying
events to put fans in the stands for qualifying. Imagine several 10-15 minute sessions, each
made up of groups of drivers who ripped off similar practice times, each trying
to get the best stating position possible.
It would be almost like heat races to qualify for the main.
What is unclear from NASCAR’s Monday statement was if teams will be allowed
to tweak the car during these qualifying sessions. If that is indeed the ruling, it would bring
in another level of competition if this format were to be used at different
tracks other than the road courses.
Obviously the format would not work at all tracks. Short tracks such as Bristol and Martinsville
may not be roomy enough for it, and Daytona and Talladega, along with Michigan
and perhaps Auto Club Speedway would probably be a drafting experience, trying
to team with other cars for more speed.
Not all, but maybe some of the intermediate tracks, would be a great
canvas to try to paint this picture upon.
Imagine a driver, needing to qualify well so he or she can select a sought
after pit stall and start at or near the front.
Practice wasn’t great, but the team managed to find something just before
the last practice session ended. We can
make it better. So now, it’s time to
qualify. We’re the second fastest car in
the second fastest group. Crew Chief and
Driver talk and decide it’s time to make a change. That little twist that they found at the end
of the last practice…let’s twist it a little more…run on the edge. We can be a little more conservative during
the race, but let’s push it. A quick run
to the garage…only a few minutes left in the qualifying group. The adjustment is made, and the driver
returns to the track…enough time to turn three…maybe four laps. The first lap is junk, just getting up to
speed. The second lap is decidedly
better, fastest overall for the day, and fastest for the group. Okay, let’s really turn it up. We’re going for it…bear down now…..hit your
marks. Down in the turn…let it drift up
on the exit of two. That’s it…now be
smooth down the back stretch…keep the speed as high as possible. Now into three…the trouble spot so far…where
we have been losing time. Come on,
baby…stick…Good!…now ease it out of four and into the dogleg…this has been a
great lap….is it enough?
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