Why won't NASCAR switch to a speed-only qualifying system?

May be...

Because Nascar is all about $$$$$$$$$$.

The only valid justification I see for the current qualifying system is that it ensures that the "stars" will be in the races every week.

It's got to be a huge psychological and financial pain to have the 10th fastest car but get bumped out because another car is in the top 35 in points.

That's the way that it use to be,but some big names(big money) missed a few races and NASCAR had to kiss XXX to make sure thes "superstars(gag)" were in the race.
The fastest 43 race,drop the top 35 and provisionals and let the top 43 the fastest 43 race.

what if you travel several hundred miles and spend $1000 plus to see a NASCAR race and your favorite driver, or your child's idol, say jeff gordon for example, isn't in the race because his engine blew during qualifying. that wouldn't make you too happy, would it? this is NOT saturday night short track racing, this is the pinnacle of american motor sports. fans pay good money and tune their TVs in on sundays to see the stars of NASCAR, and there's nothing wrong with that. teams who race their way into the top 35 in owner points deserve to be rewarded for their success, do they not? the current system is just fine, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

and besides, if a go or go homer is 10th fastest in qualifying, it's usually because he's practiced solely in qualifying trim while the top 35 practice mostly in race trim, if they put more effort into qualifying in practice that go or go homer would not be 10th fastest. this is especially true in impound races, like talladega this past weekend, where front row joe nemicheck qualified with no alternator belt on the car. and you'll see the same kind of things happen in richmond Saturday, as it's also an impound race

Sponsors and the almighty dollar.

You're right, that's the only reason. If they went on speed, there would be occasions where big name drivers would get left out.

I agree. It isn't Saturday night at the local track. Millions of dollars are spent on each car. I still don't like the top 35 locked in to race however. That's one of many changes the France family has screwed up in NASCAR.

I agree with you 100 percent, but you also have to look at it like this. What if the points leader goes out to qualify, and he cuts a tire or something on the qualifying lap, and ends up qualifying last. He shouldn't be in the race? It would really cause problems if one of the guys in the top 15 in points miss the race. You can get as much as 190 points in a race, so it would be crucial if you miss a race leading the points. Especially if it is during the chase. They do need to modify the qualifying procedere a little, but there also has to be a sure way of letting the top drivers in the race. If anything, they can make it like the top 30 in points, or top 25 in points are guaranteed spots. That might make it ok. But i DO agree with you. It has to suck if you are the 10th fastest in qualifying and not make the race.

it is simple really modern day nascar wants to forget where it came from and the small teams