NASCAR Introduces Updated Practice and Qualifying Procedures Across National Series for 2025
NASCAR has announced major adjustments to practice and qualifying formats for the 2025 season across the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series. These changes aim to provide teams with more on-track time while simplifying qualifying into one round based on lap speeds, with some exceptions depending on the track.
Additionally, a significant change includes a 50-minute practice session added to the Daytona 500 schedule. This extra session will take place before qualifying on Wednesday, February 12, giving teams more time to prepare for NASCAR’s biggest race.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Procedures
Standard Practice and Qualifying
- 25-minute practice for Group 1, followed by 25 minutes for Group 2.
- Groups are determined by metrics: 70% based on the previous race finish and 30% on owner points position.
- One lap, one round of qualifying determines starting positions.
- Tracks: Las Vegas, Phoenix (spring), Miami, Darlington, Texas, Kansas, Charlotte, Nashville, Michigan, Pocono, St. Louis, New Hampshire.
Short Track Practice and Qualifying
- Same practice format as standard tracks.
- Qualifying consists of two laps, one round.
- Tracks: Martinsville, Bristol, Dover, Iowa, Richmond.
Superspeedway Qualifying
- One lap, two rounds of qualifying.
- Top 10 fastest cars advance to the final round. Starting positions 1–10 are based on final-round speeds.
- Tracks: Atlanta, Talladega, Daytona (summer).
Road Course Practice and Qualifying
- 25-minute practice for Groups 1 and 2.
- 20-minute group qualifying sessions, with multiple cars on track.
- Tracks: Chicago, Sonoma, Watkins Glen, Charlotte Roval.
Xfinity Series Procedures
Standard Practice and Qualifying
- Identical to the Cup Series format.
- Tracks: Phoenix (spring), Las Vegas, Miami, Darlington, Texas, Kansas, Charlotte, Nashville, Pocono.
Short Track Practice and Qualifying
- Two laps, one round of qualifying after practice sessions.
- Tracks: Martinsville, Bristol, Dover, Iowa.
Superspeedway Qualifying
- Same format as the Cup Series.
- Tracks: Atlanta, Talladega, Daytona (summer).
Road Course Practice and Qualifying
- 50-minute practice for all cars.
- 20-minute group qualifying sessions on track.
- Tracks: Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Chicago, Sonoma, Watkins Glen, Portland, Charlotte Roval.
Craftsman Truck Series Procedures
Standard Practice and Qualifying
- Similar to the Cup and Xfinity formats.
- Tracks: Las Vegas, Miami, Texas, Kansas, Charlotte, Nashville, Pocono, Darlington.
Short Track Practice and Qualifying
- Same practice format, with two laps, one round of qualifying.
- Tracks: Martinsville, Bristol, North Wilkesboro, Lucas Oil IRP, Richmond.
Superspeedway Qualifying
- Identical to the other series.
- Tracks: Atlanta, Talladega.
Road Course Practice and Qualifying
- 50-minute practice sessions followed by 20-minute group qualifying sessions.
- Tracks: Watkins Glen, Charlotte Roval.
Expanded Practice Weekends
Certain weekends will feature extended practice sessions, such as:
- Cup Series: The Clash, Daytona 500, Circuit of The Americas, All-Star Race, Mexico, Indianapolis, Phoenix Finale.
- Xfinity Series: Daytona, Rockingham, Mexico, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Phoenix Finale.
- Truck Series: Daytona, Rockingham, Michigan, Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, New Hampshire, Charlotte Roval, Phoenix Finale.
For example, COTA will follow the Watkins Glen and Charlotte Roval format, featuring two practice sessions of 20 minutes each for two groups, followed by qualifying.
Broadcast Coverage
- FOX Sports will air practice and qualifying for the Clash, Daytona 500, All-Star Race, and all Truck Series races.
- Prime will broadcast Cup Series practice and qualifying for the first half of the season, excluding FOX Sports events.
- TNT Sports will cover the second half of the season through Max and truTV.
These changes reflect NASCAR’s commitment to optimizing fan experience while ensuring teams are fully prepared for every race. As Cup Series Director Brad Moran noted, “The additional practice time and simplified qualifying will set the tone for an exciting season.”
