Why is the qualifying order different than the starting order for NASCAR races?

Question

For instance, in Sunday's race at Dover, Jimmie Johnson qualified fourth, but started sixth and Carl Edwards qualified 14th, but started third. Why the difference?

Answer 1

I think you may be confusing the nationwide series with the cup series, im not sure. but they start where they qualify. unless they have mechanical issues or crash the car in post qualifying or something like that, in which case, they will be sent to the rear of the field at the start of the race.

Answer 2

The lineup doesnt change unless a car has to go to the back.  Then everybody in that row moves up one spot.  Edwards did not start 3rd yesterday.

Answer 3

by qualifying order i think you must be talking about the order in which they qualified. that is set by a drawing. after that order is set they qualify in that spot for the race.

Answer 4

Not sure, but I believe you are looking at the results incorrectly. Kyle Busch started 3rd and won, and since Edwards finished 2nd, maybe you were looking at Busch's starting position. Here is the link:

Answer 5

your qualifing order is the order they try to qualify for the race  the race ia started with the fastest qualifiers up front

Answer 6

http://www.jayski.com/stats/2008/grids/1...