NASCAR has made a significant change by eliminating the complicated Group A and Group B qualifying system that was introduced in the second half of 2024, a decision that has been met with relief from both fans and insiders. This adjustment is part of NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to refine its format and make it more accessible to a wider audience, streamlining the process in a way that both competitors and fans can easily understand.
Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic discussed the new format during their podcast, The Teardown, and both were in agreement that the changes represent an improvement for the sport. They pointed out that the new system now utilizes a single-round qualifying format at most tracks, which is a significant departure from the previous knockout-style qualifying. Under the new format, starting positions are determined solely by the qualifying times achieved during that single round, removing the confusing group placement factor.
“The main takeaway is that most tracks now use single-round qualifying,” Gluck explained. “No more knockout qualifying, and starting positions are determined solely by qualifying times, not group placement. It’s much simpler.” This simplified approach, according to Gluck, is a positive development for the sport, making the process clearer and more straightforward for fans and teams alike.
Bianchi supported Gluck’s views, adding that the feedback he had received from individuals within NASCAR and the teams indicated a desire for a more direct and uncomplicated qualifying procedure. “By the end of last year, people I spoke with on both the NASCAR and team sides expressed a need for something simpler, a process that would be easier to follow. This change seems like the right move,” Bianchi noted.
The revised qualifying format has eliminated the confusing distinction between Group A and Group B placements, which often caused frustration among teams and fans alike. Now, the faster cars naturally start ahead of the slower ones based on their qualifying lap times. This ensures that the lineup is set by performance alone, without the added complication of group placements.
Additionally, NASCAR has made other adjustments to practice and qualifying, which have been met with widespread approval. Even seemingly small changes, such as adding just five extra minutes to practice sessions, benefit teams by providing more valuable time on the track to fine-tune their cars. Simplifying qualifying further enhances the sport’s overall appeal, making it easier for everyone to grasp the system and follow the action.
Despite past concerns about unequal track conditions affecting qualifying, NASCAR’s decision to streamline the process makes sense when considering that track conditions inevitably vary during a session. Elements like rubber buildup, temperature fluctuations, and even the number of cars on the track can change the conditions throughout the session. Drivers who qualify later often benefit from these natural shifts, which are part of the sport’s inherent unpredictability.
In the end, racing is about competition, and while the qualifying format is no longer perfectly “fair” in a sense, it accurately reflects the skills of drivers and the performance of their cars. As NASCAR moves forward with this simpler approach, it continues to focus on what matters most: showcasing the best drivers and teams in the most competitive environment possible.
By reverting to a simpler qualifying format, NASCAR has made a decision that benefits everyone involved—drivers, teams, and fans alike. This move not only simplifies the experience for those watching but also contributes to a clearer, more engaging competition overall.
