NASCAR addresses practice, qualifying format for 2025 season

For the 2025 NASCAR season, there won’t be much change when it comes to how practice and qualifying are handled in the Cup Series. As for any major changes to the format or procedure, that remains to be seen.

NASCAR drivers, fans, and others have been seeking longer practice sessions in the Cup Series. NASCAR states that costs prevent them from expanding practice times. Right now, drivers typically get 20 minutes of practice before a race.

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If there are major updates to the track, new tire, or if it is a new venue entirely, then practice can be expanded. Then the Cup Series will roll right into qualifying afterward.

Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reports that there will be no change to qualifying and practice formats for next season.

NASCAR says practice and qualifying format likely won't change. New venues and/or major changes to venues will get a longer practice.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 29, 2024

There could be minor tweaks made before the beginning of next season. But expect NASCAR practice and qualifying to largely remain the same.

Fans hopeful for change to NASCAR qualifying lineup

There was a change this season to qualifying. This season, NASCAR changed the qualifying format, which has left many fans puzzled on race weekends. Since starting the format, there has been a lot of criticism for overcomplicating things in the Cup Series.

NASCAR Cup Series qualifying is still, for the most part, two rounds with drivers divided in Group A and Group B for the first round. Top-5 from each round advance. That much is the same.

Pole winner is still the fastest car in the second round of qualifying. Outside pole is the fastest driver from whichever group the pole winner is not in. If pole winner is from Group A, the outside pole is Group B’s fastest, regardless of time compared to the rest of Group A.

Then the rest of the Group B drivers will make up the inside row and the Group A drivers will make up the outside row for places 3-10. If you’re confused, you’re not alone. This could revert back to how it was where it was just two rounds and the 10 fastest times in the final round made up the first five rows. Or it could remain.

NASCAR fans are likely hopeful this will go away. Any ruling on that would likely come at the beginning of 2025.