Given the significant impact weather and atmospheric conditions have had on qualifying for NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events in past seasons, NHRA has modified its race qualifying procedure.

Beginning with the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Feb. 7-10, the top 12 elapsed times in each pro category will be provisionally recorded prior to the last day of qualifying. Those teams who were unable to earn a provisional spot in the top 12 will have an opportunity to make the 16-car starting order during the final day of qualifying.

While the 12 provisional times are officially recorded prior to the last day of qualifying, those positions are not locked-in. All teams will have the opportunity to improve their positions during the final day of qualifying and can bump in or be bumped out of the field.

Given the significant impact weather and atmospheric conditions have had on qualifying for NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events in past seasons, NHRA has modified its race qualifying procedure.

Beginning with the CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Feb. 7-10, the top 12 elapsed times in each pro category will be provisionally recorded prior to the last day of qualifying. Those teams who were unable to earn a provisional spot in the top 12 will have an opportunity to make the 16-car starting order during the final day of qualifying.

While the 12 provisional times are officially recorded prior to the last day of qualifying, those positions are not locked-in. All teams will have the opportunity to improve their positions during the final day of qualifying and can bump in or be bumped out of the field.

“There are no guarantees with this system,” said Graham Light, senior vice president of racing operations, NHRA. “If you are one of the 12 quickest cars, you can still be bumped out on the final day of qualifying, or you can improve your position in the order. However, if weather conditions change and become less optimal and as a result the performances are not as good throughout the field, the four quickest cars from outside the provisional 12 on the final day of qualifying will complete the 16-car lineup.”

The field of 16 for each of the four professional categories will be set at the conclusion of the final round of qualifying, using the traditional 16-car race bracket for eliminations.

“We feel this new qualifying format will heighten the intensity for each and every qualifying session throughout the weekend,” Light said. “We're certain it will make the racing on the track even more entertaining for fans.”

All qualifying elapsed times will count in the Full Throttle Pit Crew Championship standings as well as towards national records. The Full Throttle Pit Crew Championship awards the top-performing pit crews in each of the four professional categories at each event as well as a year-end champion.  Teams are rewarded based on performance and consistency during qualifying runs, with points deducted for quarter-mile passes that result in oil on the racetrack.