NASCAR will use owner points—not its current performance-based metric—to set Cup Series starting lineups when weather cancels qualifying in 2027. The change is intended to make the process easier to explain, as canceled sessions have exposed concerns about the metric’s fairness. NASCAR is also considering other qualifying changes, including a single round at superspeedways and All-Star-style formats at select races.

By the Numbers
  • 5 Cup Series regular-season qualifying sessions were canceled in 2026.
  • 4 more qualifying sessions were canceled during The Chase.
  • The current metric weights the previous race’s finish at 70% and current owner points at 30%.
Yes, But

The existing metric was designed to provide a consistent lineup when qualifying is rained out, but NASCAR says the results can appear unfair. The planned switch to owner points removes the calculation, though NASCAR is still discussing other format changes with teams.

State of Play
  • Owner points will determine the lineup when weather cancels qualifying in 2027.
  • A single qualifying round at superspeedways and All-Star-style qualifying at a handful of events remain under consideration.
  • NASCAR has not finalized those additional changes.
What's Next

NASCAR and the teams will continue working through possible formats in the offseason. Any additional changes are expected to apply only to select events.

Bottom Line

NASCAR is simplifying its rainout lineup rule for 2027, while weighing more targeted changes to make qualifying more engaging without committing to a broader overhaul.