Since the MTQRL mainly races at fairgrounds tracks where they are the only class running they have a two heat system. After qualifications the fastest four qualifiers compete in the Jackson Oil & Solvents Duel for Fuel (trophy dash). The remaining cars are then split into heat races by like times. This is to give drivers additional track time and to let drivers race with other drivers of similar speed.

At Shelbyville Heat 1 consisted of qualifiers 5-11 (plus 1 DNQ), Heat 2 qualifiers 12-18, and Heat 3 qualifiers 19-24 (plus one DNQ).

After the first round of heats there is an intermission and all qualifiers are staggered and split into the second round of heats. In this round Heat 4 consisted of qualifiers 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 (plus one DNQ), Heat 5 consisted of qualifiers 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, and Heat 6 consisted of qualifiers 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24 (plus one DNQ).

The first round of heats are for points only. Round 2 determines which cars transfer directly to the feature and which cars have to run the B Main.