From NASCAR.COM WEBSITE

Once qualifying is over,only the top 2 cars are locked into starting position,then the field is set by merging the highest ranked 35 teams in the owner standings with the fastest seven cars not in those 35 positions, in the order of their qualifying speeds. The 43rd position is reserved for a former champion, provided he is not already qualified and satisfies the rulebook's criteria. If unused by a former champion, it goes to the next fastest car in qualifying. The lone exception is the Daytona 500, which uses qualifying and two 150-mile races to determine the field.
WHAT?? Whatever...
Sidenote:
Starting next week at California, the American Idol system of qualification will begin, with each driver having to sing one of their favorite songs, in-tune, to qualify to race.Simon,Randy and Paula will then rank the drivers with the Top 24 locking positions. The remaining drivers will then proceed in a 24 hour game elimination of the board game Risk, to determine their starting order. The exception will be Terry Labonte who will use the past champions provisional.

Songs to be preformed so far...
Mark Martin-Baby Got Back
Jeff Gordon-That's what Friends are For.
Kevin Harvick-Working for the Weekend
Jamie McMurray-I'm Too Sexy
Dale Jr.-Dead Man's Curve
Michael Waltrip-Insane in the Membrane
Jimmie Johnson-Don't You Forget About Me
Kurt Busch-One Bourbon,One Scotch,One Beer
Kyle Busch-He Ain't Heavy,He's my Brother
Tony Stewart-Mellow Yellow
Jeff Burton-{Original song entitled}I Speak Normally while my Brother sounds funny
all others undecided....I can't wait!