**TLDR** — A resounding 72% of 469 NASCAR fans polled say the current qualifying system is broken and want the old format back, with only 16% suggesting a full process overhaul and a mere 8% defending the rules as written. The frustration runs deep across the fanbase. One reader bluntly argued "there was nothing wrong with the old system," pointing to the loss of accessible TV coverage as part of the problem. Another dismissed the modern format outright, noting "1 lap does not compute to legit effort," while a third lamented that qualifying drama is simply "missing from the race weekend experience." Critics also took aim at broader structural issues — from stages and overtime rules to the playoff reset — suggesting the qualifying gripe is symptomatic of a larger identity crisis. The message from the grandstands is clear: fans want NASCAR to stop tinkering and bring back what worked.
Essentially NASCAR
May 10, 2026
Should NASCAR Bring Back the Old Qualifying System?
72%
Yes, the Current System Is Flawed
336
16%
No, They Will Have to Overhaul the Entire Process
77
8%
Rules Are There for a Reason
39
4%
I Have a Different Take on This (Tell Us)
17
469 readers voted
We asked readers to weigh in — 13 shared their take. Here’s what they said:
Reader Reactions
13
ci***l**i***0@gmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 1:18 PM EDT
There was nothing wrong with the old system. In fact they should put it back on regular tv, all of Nascar should be on regular tv. Not everyone can do all that tech crap
mi****l***s****4@gmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 2:07 PM EDT
If you want to change the system, you have to scrap the whole thing and start all over again. Remember the days the DW (God Bless His Heart) took a “ Past Champions Provisional “ for years and was nothing but in everybody’s way? Admittedly, there was a lot of Cup people in the Truck Race. taking spots for other drivers to have a chance. ME
ra**o*o*0@gmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 1:29 PM EDT
1 lap does not compute to ligit effort
wi***u**h***y@gmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 3:03 PM EDT
Everyone should have to qualify to be in the race there used to be more than the 38 there are now but because you give out free passes some that beat them have to go home that is not fair.
be****l***d***5@gmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 3:02 PM EDT
All these new rules and NASCAR suck I don't even watch anymore
de***o***b***8@gmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 11:53 AM EDT
They also need to put the races on digital TV viewing If they want to recoup lost viewer ship.
mm**l*y**6@gmail.com
May 10, 2026 · 8:57 AM EDT
Rain outs in Qualifying is a problem because those that havent raced yet that season have no points to fall back on, that being said. Its a 2.5 mile road coarse, they should have let them start at the rear of the field.
ss***f**t***l@hotmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 9:21 PM EDT
That part is missing from the race weekend experience!!!
dd**k*8*4@gmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 12:48 PM EDT
Overtime is based on a timed sport.Stages belong horses or theaters. Never figured out why these weird changes were ever made !!!!
ja***e**f**l@live.com
May 9, 2026 · 2:16 PM EDT
Old system, meaning the one they used in 2000
tz*ng*4@gmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 1:04 PM EDT
I think putting the fastest car up front is stupid. You want to save money? Have the drivers pull numbers, lottery style and actually race for the win. Remember racing? How about getting back to "run what you brung" No wonder viewership is declining. I understand safety, but you have taken the "stock car racing" out of Nascar.
ca***a**1***7@gmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 4:11 PM EDT
I'm 66 years old. I've been a RACING fan from my earliest memories! I've raced dirt track cars & a few asphalt races since I was 15 until a severe racing accident made me stop when I was 27! I've been to many many nascar & big dirt races ever since...I guess you would say a "real" fan! Sounds to me like politics where because they are females,& in some cases,a "minority" is why their is so much outcry! Dammit ,Racing of any kind DON'T need this woke bullshit! PAY YOUR DUES!
st**a*1**2@gmail.com
May 9, 2026 · 12:52 PM EDT
Review the entire process, then performance thru-out the season should be the champion instead of the top 16 starting all over again.