NASCAR SPRINT CUP AND NATIONWIDE SERIES NEWS, VIEWS AND COMMENTARY

Top 35 in Owners Points Guarantee :  Starting positions one through 42 in the series will be determined by qualifying speed, but the highest-ranked 35 positions in the Owner Points standings are guaranteed one of the starting positions in the field, providing they have made an attempt to qualify.  The remaining seven positions [36-42] will be assigned to those drivers with the fastest qualifying speeds whose car owners are not in the top 35 in Owner's points. The final starting position – the champion’s provisional – can be utilized by a car owner whose driver is a current or past Nextel Cup champion. If the final starting position is not filled by a current or past series champion, it will be assigned to the next eligible car owner according to qualifying results.