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Crowded field places focus on provisionals

By JOANNE KORTH, Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 3, 2001

INDIANAPOLIS -- A season-high 54 drivers will attempt to qualify Saturday for the Brickyard 400, and it has nothing to do with the mystique of racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

It's about money.

The Brickyard boasts Winston Cup's largest purse, with winners of the event's first seven races combining for more than $4.5-million.

But having a fast car does not guarantee a place in the 43-car field. Because of NASCAR's system of "provisionals" a driver can have the 37th fastest car and still not make the race.

The first 36 spots are awarded based on speed, the final seven based on provisionals, which ensure top drivers and title contenders do not miss the race because of a qualifying mistake.

Provisionals are awarded based on owner points, which are attached to the performance of the car. If points-leader Jeff Gordon smacks the wall during qualifying, his No. 24 Chevrolet is assured of starting no worse that 37th.

The system is coming under scrutiny.

"If we can't make the top 43, I don't want in," said A.J. Foyt, owner of the No. 14 Pontiac. If we're not fast enough to make it, that's fine. I can live with that."

Veteran driver Dave Marcis, whose single-car team attempts to qualify for select races each season, also would like a change. Many times he has been denied a starting position by cars that qualified slower.

"It's ridiculous," Marcis said.

Foyt would like to see NASCAR adopt the format used in the Indianapolis 500. The fastest cars make the race, but drivers have a chance to return to the track, try to improve their times and bump the slowest car from the field.

NEW FINALE: The final race of the 2002 Winston Cup season will be at Homestead in Miami, thatsracin.com reported. The Atlanta race, which had been the season finale, will move up in the schedule.

VALUABLE ROOKIE: Kevin Harvick surpassed the $2-million mark in earnings this season with his 20th place finish at Pocono. His total entering the Brickyard 400 is $2,047,796. The record for earnings by a rookie is held by Tony Stewart, who won $3,190,149 in 1999.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Mark Martin finished last in the 2000 Brickyard because of an accident, ending a streak of five consecutive finishes among the top six.

"We've been pretty lucky at Indy over the years," he said. "I was not impressed with our test there a few weeks ago, but I think we've made some progress since then."

TRIVIA TIME: Jeff Burton was the highest-finishing rookie in the inaugural 1994 Brickyard 400. He started 38th and finished 19th, one lap down.

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