It’s only been 12 hours since the checkered flag flew at the Bud Shootout but NASCAR has alreadycome out with next year’s eligibility for the race.
The new rules to be in the race are 2012 Coors Light Pole Winners and past shootout champions withat least one qualifying attempt in 2012.
The last couple seasons we have seen different eligibility rules for what is supposed to be an exhibitionrace. For this year’s race it was any driver in the top 25 in points last season. Also, past winners at Daytona International Speedway were eligible for the race.
Fans for the last couple seasons have wanted this race to go back to what it was prior to 2008.The original format puts emphasis back on qualifying, something that has been lacking the last couple seasons.
“Fans have expressed their desire to see this event return to its original eligibility rules,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “We listened and decided it would be best to return to the eligibility rules of years past adding further meaning to pole qualifying for each NASCAR Sprint Cup race.”
In 2011 there were 18 different pole winners and last night’s winner Kyle Busch is the first locked infrom 2012. On Sunday afternoon another driver will be locked in as they qualifyfor next week’s Daytona 500 on FOX.
Tune in at 1ET on Fox to see who will lead the field to green for the 54th annual Daytona500.
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