NASCAR Responds To Fans And Changes The Shootout Eligibility

In years past the Budweiser Shootout was usually a select, limited field but in 2009 NASCAR opened up the eligibility to get into the exhibition race so they could squeeze more drivers into the race.  I thought that was a good idea, as it gave more teams a shot at feeling how the track and cars can be in the Daytona 500.

Admittedly, we had a pretty good sized field for the 2012 Budweiser Shootout, or The Shootout at Daytona.  And I thought that was exciting.  But according to NASCAR, apparently fans were grumbling about the eligibility rules and how many drivers were in the race.  First tandem drafting, now Shootout rules.

Hence, NASCAR announced new eligibility rules to be able to enter the Budweiser Shootout, and they call it "returning to its roots," as the Shootout field for 2013 will now be populated with winners of the 2012 Coors Light Pole for each race, and past Shootout winners only.

Last season, we had 18 different pole winners.

So now, who ever wins the pole for the 54th Annual Daytona 500 (Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. on FOX), will be entered into the 2013 Budweiser Shootout.

“Fans have expressed their desire to see this event return to its original eligibility rules,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “We listened and decided it would be best to return to the eligibility rules of years past adding further meaning to pole qualifying for each NASCAR Sprint Cup race.”

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NB&P has two light-hearted questions:

Were we really that upset to see that many drivers pack onto the track for the first race of the season?  I wasn't.  But somedays, I'm pretty easy going about some things.

My other (humorous) question is how the sponsors might feel?  So winning the Coors Light pole, will get someone qualified for the Budweiser Shootout?  Just sayin'!