League: NASCAR Sport: Motorsports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

NASCAR plans changes to qualifying metric after season ends

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 2, 2026, 5:14 PM

Last updated Oct 2, 2026

NASCAR plans changes to qualifying metric after season ends

Summary

Mike Forde, NASCAR's vice president of racing communications, announced that adjustments to the current rainout qualifying formula are expected after the season concludes. This year, three out of four Chase races have had qualifying canceled, necessitating the use of a 70-30 metric based on recent race performance and owner points. Drivers have expressed mixed results with the current system, prompting a working group to explore alternatives. Potential changes may include adjusting the percentage split or returning to a system based solely on owner points. Forde reassured fans that their feedback is being taken seriously.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Current qualifying formula has been in use since the pandemic.
•Three Chase races have had qualifying canceled due to weather.
•Possible changes could include a new 50-50 split in metrics.
•NASCAR aims to avoid changing rules during the ongoing Chase.
•Drivers like Ryan Blaney and Tyler Reddick have seen varied results under the current system.

Latest Updates

5:14 PMYahoo Sports — NASCAR Signals Change Coming to Qualifying Metric

What they're saying

"
NASCAR's Mike Forde says changes to the rainout qualifying formula are likely after the season. He said NASCAR won't change rules in the middle of the Chase.
— Yahoo Sports

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