NASCAR Competition Changes, 2013

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – NASCAR has announced competition changes
for 2013, including the elimination of the top 35 qualifying rule
and a reduction of the field size in the Nationwide Series.
     Starting next season, the top 35 cars in owners’ points will no
longer be guaranteed a spot in the Sprint Cup field. NASCAR will
use a 36-6-1 format in which the fastest 36 cars make the race on
speed.
     The next six highest ranking cars in owners points not already
qualified then earn a starting spot, followed by the most recent
eligible past champion driver.
     In the Nationwide Series, NASCAR will only allow a maximum of 40
cars to race each week instead of 43. The change is to create a
sense of urgency among teams to make races.