Qualifying for the Daytona 500 is unique in NASCAR….when only the two front row starters….the pole and “outside pole”….are determined by the standard knockout qualifying system…..whereas, for all other drivers it only determines their starting position in their duel with odd placed cars being entered into the first duel and even placed cars going in the second. After the Top 2 positions are locked in, the next 30 places of starting grid of the Daytona 500 is set by the finishing order of these two races with the top 15….excluding pole winner and outside pole….making up the next 15 places on the inside and outside lanes respectively. After the Duels are completed….the four fastest non-qualifiers by time and finally the six or seven….if no past champion’s exemption is needed) highest-earning teams in points not in the race yet advance (also set by time…..and the starting grid for the Daytona 500 would then be set. The order is still subject to change if engine regulations are violated.
