NEW QUALIFYING FORMAT KICKING UP SOME DUST EARLY
By: Jeff Pfister, Greatest Show on Dirt columnist

Jeff Strunk used his provisional for the season in the opener.
2006 © Jim Young Race Photos

As I am sure you are aware if you attend Grandview on a weekly basis, the track management has decided to go with a new format for modified qualifying this season. When the press release came out announcing the new format, there were a lot of questions, some criticism, and even some optimism from drivers, owners, crew members, sponsors, and fans. 

The new format has already made things interesting for sure at the Bechtelsville speed plant. The season opened with a big shocker when five-time track champion Jeff Strunk, in his new ride, the Johnny Rea owned Teo/Gechter Racing Engines #R1 failed to qualify for the feature after suffering fuel pressure problems in his heat and consolation.  Forced to take a provisional, Strunk started 31st and was methodically moving forward in the feature when another racer struck a uke tire in turn 2 and brought it directly into Jeff’s path, wiping out his front end. He finished a dismal 29th. With the new format in place, Jeff has used his one and only provisional and will have to race his way into every remaining feature. 

The second week brought misfortune to Mike Gular and Kevin Hartnett, each a threat to win the title this season.  Both drivers started near the rear of their heats which would make it difficult to qualify for the feature. Gular suffered a broken front axle when another competitor spun leaving Mike with nowhere to go. The team replaced the axle and Mike returned for the consi.  During this event, Mike ended up spinning out going into turn 3 because the left front caliper was not secured and became lodged in the wheel. This turn of events caused Mike to use his only provisional for the feature, where he made the best of a bad night by charging from 31st to 12th, avoiding a major pileup on the front stretch along the way. Kevin just had a rough night, he just missed a qualifying spot in his heat and then had a poor finish in the consi. He would wind up 21st in the feature.

Drivers who sit 33rd and back in the points will be placed into qualifying heats 1 and 2, with 3 making the cut.  These drivers will then only be able to start in positions 17 through 22 in the feature.  While this does allow these drivers into the feature that they more than likely would not qualify for with the old format, it gives them virtually no chance to advance through the field. They will get valuable seat time by being in the feature, but their lack of experience could cause disaster being smack dab in the middle of the pack. But hopefully by consistently qualifying they can get themselves above 33rd in points and thus get to start at the front of heats 3 through 6.  This would give them the opportunity to start towards the front of the feature. This could be good or bad, which we will discuss in a minute.

Now for a positive spin on the new format. Drivers in the bottom half of the top 32 in points will get to start towards the front of their qualifying heat. Jeff Strunk was able to gallop to a convincing heat victory in week 2 because of his starting spot due to the misfortune he suffered in week 1. He would then start 5th in the feature and was just riding when another racer spun in front of him and collected the R1. Jeff would visit the pits and return to vault to an impressive 9^th place finish. This allowed him to go from 29th to 16th in the point standings, keeping him in the hunt for a 5th consecutive title. Jon Kellner suffered a mechanical problem after taking the lead in the week 1 feature, being scored a final 27th. This allowed him to start towards the front of his heat in week 2 which he won, and he also won the feature easily, keeping him alive for the 06 crown. 

Now to the point we brought up about less experienced drivers. Up and coming Don Norris Jr has a fast race car. Doug Meyers has supplied him with a very stout motor program, and Don is improving with each passing week.  He qualified easily in week 2, finishing a strong 2nd behind Strunk in his heat race, his best effort ever. This gave Don a great starting spot for the feature and he ran at the front for a few laps before losing the handle on the 976 and spinning. The new format allowed him to start at the front, but (nothing against Don) should someone with a lack of experience be able to start there? Sure these guys have to learn to race with the “big boys”, but I think that they would be better off starting towards the rear of a feature and getting that all important seat time instead of trying to stay up front and often causing problems driving above their experience level. The new format will allow many less experienced drivers their shots at the front, which could be good for some and bad for others.

Grandview continues to draw about 60 modifieds each week. Qualifying for the feature is a tough task for anyone.  The new format will make it tougher, and drivers who are always in the hunt may find themselves using a provisional sooner than later and some may even wind up going home early. It is possible that as many as 10 drivers could have to use a provisional in one week, if the top 10 in points that week do not qualify.  This is highly unlikely, but it could happen. Three  top drivers have already used their provisionals during the first two weeks. When will Craig Von Dohren, Meme Desantis, Doug Manmiller, Jon Kellner, Ray Swinehart and Danny Erb have to use theirs?  Only time will tell.  But if you like to see things get shaken up a bit, the 06 Grandview season will certainly be your cup of tea.