NASCAR qualifying returns to all races in 2022 with new knockout format
Since the pandemic began, NASCAR has run a shortened race weekend for the majority of their events. For 2022, that comes to an end but it’s going to be a new format.
View the NASCAR qualifying format below.
“NASCAR is excited to return practice and qualifying to its race weekends,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition. “We missed seeing cars and trucks on track all weekend long, and so did our fans. We worked closely with our broadcast partners, teams and racetracks to create an exciting, unique qualifying format, while keeping several of the efficiencies that helped our entire industry successfully navigate the pandemic.”
In most NASCAR Cup Series events, the field will be split into two groups and set out for a 2 hour practice/qualifying session. Additionally, select races will have an additional 50 minute stand alone practice session.
Expanded weekends
One 50-minute practice in addition to on-track qualifying:
NASCAR Cup Series: Daytona 500, Atlanta, Bristol Dirt, Gateway, Nashville, Phoenix-2
NASCAR Xfinity Series: Daytona, Atlanta, Portland, Nashville, Phoenix-2
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: Daytona, Atlanta, Bristol Dirt, Knoxville, Sonoma, Mid-Ohio, Nashville, Phoenix-2
Note: It’s possible for an expanded weekend to apply to only one series. For example, at Sonoma, it will be an expanded weekend for the Truck Series and not the Cup Series.
NASCAR Cup Series
Qualifying Format
One-lap qualifying format
Tracks: Atlanta*, Auto Club , Charlotte Oval , Darlington , Gateway*, Kansas , Las Vegas , Miami, Michigan, Nashville*, New Hampshire , Phoenix*, Pocono , Texas
* denotes expanded weekend
Format
-15-minute warm-up/practice, separated into two groups
-Qualifying Round 1 (Group A) – single car, 1 lap
-Top five transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Round 1 (Group B) – single car, 1 lap
-Top five transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Final Round – single car, 1 lap
Two-lap qualifying format
Tracks: Bristol-2, Dover, Martinsville, Richmond
Format
-15-minute warm-up/practice separated into two groups
-Qualifying Round 1 (Group A) – single car, 2 laps
-Top five transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Round 1 (Group B) – single car, 2 laps
-Top five transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Final Round – single car, 2 laps
Superspeedway qualifying format
Tracks: Daytona 500*, Daytona-2, Talladega
* denotes expanded weekend
Format
-Qualifying Round 1 – single car, 1 lap (all vehicles)
-Top 10 transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Final Round – single car, 1 lap
Road-course qualifying format
Tracks: Charlotte Roval, COTA, Indianapolis Road Course, Road America, Sonoma, Watkins Glen
Format
-20-minute warm-up/practice separated into two groups
-Qualifying Round 1, Group A (15 minutes)
-Top 5 transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Round 1, Group B (15 minutes)
-Top 5 transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Final Round (10 minutes)
Dirt qualifying
Track: Bristol Dirt (also an expanded weekend)
Format
-Two 50-minute practice sessions
-Four qualifying races to determine the field and lineup for the main race; order based on random draw
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Qualifying Format
One-lap qualifying format
Tracks: Atlanta-1*, Atlanta-2, Auto Club, Charlotte Oval, Darlington, Kansas, Las Vegas, Miami, Michigan, Nashville*, New Hampshire, Phoenix-1, Phoenix-2*, Pocono, Texas
* denotes expanded weekend
Format
-20-minute warm-up/practice for all cars
-Qualifying (all cars) — single car, 1 lap
Two-lap qualifying
Tracks: Bristol-2, Dover, Martinsville, Richmond
Format
-20-minute practice/warm-up for all cars
-Qualifying (all cars) – single car, 2 laps
Superspeedway qualifying
Tracks: Daytona-1*, Daytona-2, Talladega
* denotes expanded weekend
Format
-Qualifying Round 1 – single car, 1 lap (all vehicles)
Top 10 transfer to final round
-Qualifying Final Round – single car, 1 lap
Road-course qualifying
Tracks: Charlotte Roval, COTA, Indianapolis Road Course, Portland*, Road America, Watkins Glen
* denotes expanded weekend
Format
-20-minute warm-up/practice – all cars
-Qualifying Round 1, Group A (15 minutes)
-Top five transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Round 1, Group B (15 minutes)
-Top five transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Final Round (10 minutes)
NASCAR Truck Series
Qualifying Format
One-lap qualifying
Tracks: Atlanta-1*, Atlanta-2, Charlotte Oval, Darlington, Kansas, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville*, Phoenix-1, Phoenix-2*, Pocono, Texas
* denotes expanded weekend
Format
-20-minute warm-up/practice for all trucks
-Qualifying (all trucks) – single truck, 1 lap
Two-lap qualifying
Tracks: Bristol-2, Dover, Martinsville, Richmond
Format
-20-min warm-up/practice for all trucks
-Qualifying (all trucks) – single truck, 2 laps
Superspeedway qualifying
Tracks: Daytona-1*, Daytona-2, Talladega
Format
-Qualifying Round 1 – single car, 1 lap (all vehicles)
Top 10 transfer to final round
-Qualifying Final Round – single car, 1 lap
Road-course qualifying
Tracks: COTA, Mid-Ohio*, Sonoma*
* denotes expanded weekend
Format
-20-minute warm-up/practice – all cars
-Qualifying Round 1, Group A (15 minutes)
-Top 5 transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Round 1, Group B (15 minutes)
-Top 5 transfer to Final Round
-Qualifying Final Round (10 minutes)
Dirt qualifying
Tracks: Bristol Dirt, Knoxville
Format
-Two 50-minute practice sessions
-Four qualifying races determine the field and lineup for the main race, order based on random draw
