Past Sprint Cup champions can use a past champion’s provisional only once every six races this season instead of having unlimited access to provisionals as in the past.
Provisional starting spots are available to drivers who don’t make the field on speed under NASCAR’s new qualifying rules.
NASCAR officials went over many of the new rules and policies for 2013 during a meeting with the media on Thursday, and the past champion’s issue was among those discussed.
Any past champion who ran at least one race the previous season starts the year with one provisional starting spot. Once a driver uses it, they must make six attempts to qualify before getting another past champion’s provisional — the driver would get use of the provisional at that sixth race.
Past champion’s provisionals could come into play more this season, although it is still unlikely as no past champion is driving full time for a team expected to be low in owner points. (SportingNews)
NASCAR Alters Past Champion’s Provisional Rule
