Good changes on the horizon for NASCAR practice and qualifying

There’s been a call for changes to NASCAR’s practice and qualifying formats, and the Series plans to deliver on some of those requests, in some way, next year. The 2025 season will feature some alterations to both that will appeal to both fans and competitors alike, with changes to practice times, practice prior to Daytona 500 qualifying, and the return of single-round qualifying.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, NASCAR’s race weekends have change dramatically. Gone are the days of multiple hours of practice with two days of on-track sessions before the actual Cup race. In its place, NASCAR moved forward with a condensed race weekend that normally features two 15-minute practice sessions with the field split in half based on qualifying groups. While the latest changes are not a return to the old, pre-pandemic ways, the sanctioning body has added more time to practices for two 25-minute sessions.

While many will still be disappointed by the brief practice sessions, the decision to place a practice session before Daytona 500 qualifying is one that should get universal praise. In recent years, it was borderline absurd as rookies and open teams were forced to make their very first lap on track for the biggest race of the year during qualifying. Without a proper chance to shake down their cars, teams encountered several mechanical issues, which also spoiled their qualification for the biggest race of the year. Travis Pastrana, who had never driven a Cup car before his 2023 Daytona 500 debut, had to practice his launch and gear shifts in the parking lot of 23XI Racing. The lack of practice was widely criticized and rightfully so. Thankfully, teams will get the chance to shake the dust off in a Wednesday practice before time trials next year. That practice should have never been eliminated in the first place, but its return is a welcome one.

Travis Pastrana, 23XI Racing, Black Rifle Coffee Toyota Camry

Photo by: Lesley Ann Miller / Motorsport Images

Now for the final major change. One of the most frustrating parts of NASCAR Cup qualifying in recent years has been the format. The five fastest from Group A and Group B advanced, competing for pole position in the final round. However, it was clear that one group had an obvious advantage over the other and it was usually Group A as they had more time to cool down their cars. To combat this, NASCAR implemented a change where Group A could only start from the outside row and Group B could only start from the inside row, except for the front row. It created situations where drivers with slower lap times were starting far above drivers with faster runs. It was frustrating to watch and it was unclear where most of the field was starting until the broadcast showed the grid. It certainly made me long for a return to the simple days of single-round qualifying with a starting grid based only on slowest to fastest times.

Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing, Busch Light Chevrolet Camaro, Pole Award

Photo by: Gavin Baker / NKP / Motorsport Images

Well, wish granted! NASCAR will re-introduce single-round qualifying at a majority of tracks in 2025, only holding two rounds at superspeedways. All of these changes are a step in right direction, showing leadership is willing to listen (even if it took longer than necessary to implement them). Giving teams more practice time, ensuring teams are properly prepared for Daytona 500 qualifying, and eliminating the confusion surrounding time trials are all positives, and hopefully a sign of more good changes to come.