Daytona 500 qualifying procedures

By foxsports
Published

Who knew qualifying could be so confusing?

Unlike all other NASCAR race weekends, the Daytona 500 uses a multi-day qualifying format that combines single-car speeds and race results to put together the starting lineup.

Here's a primer on the week-long program:

Step 1: Automatic berths

Even before teams unloaded at Daytona International Speedway, 36 drivers were locked into the field for the Great American Race.

The top 35 teams based on the owners standings in 2008 are guaranteed a spot at Daytona (Click here for the full list).