Get ready to learn something new, NASCAR fans!

Get ready to learn something new, NASCAR fans! As you may already know, the car that wins the pole position at a NASCAR race is determined by a single-lap time trial. But do you know exactly how it all works?

First, it’s important to understand that the driver with the fastest lap time earns the top starting position for the race. This is determined during a qualifying session, which typically takes place the day before the actual race.

During qualifying, each car takes to the track one at a time to complete a single timed lap. The cars are released in a predetermined order, usually determined by a random draw, and are given a set amount of time to complete their lap.

The lap times are then recorded and the driver with the fastest lap time earns the coveted pole position. In the case of a tie, the tiebreaker is determined by the driver’s second-fastest lap time.

But it’s not just the pole position that’s up for grabs during qualifying. The top 12 drivers in qualifying earn a spot in the front half of the starting grid, known as the “top 12 shootouts.”

It’s important to note that the cars used during qualifying are not the same as the cars used during the actual race. Qualifying cars are specifically built and set up for maximum speed and handling during a single lap, while race cars are built for endurance and reliability over the course of a full race.

So, the next time you’re watching a NASCAR race and see the cars lined up on the starting grid, remember that the pole position wasn’t just handed to the driver – it was earned through skill and determination during the qualifying session. And the driver who secured the pole position is the one who set the fastest lap time.