Andrew... Modifieds qualify different than the Sprint cars do.

They pill draw for groups... Group 1, 2, 3, 4... Group 1 races Heat #1, Group 2 races Heat # 2. All the drivers in Group 1 only qualify against the other drivers in Group 1, they are not qualifying against the entire field. Qualifying is used to lineup heat races.

After the heat races are completed, the lineups (for B-main & A-main) are set based on the results of the heat races and I think the top 8 drivers draw for starting spots in feature.

I can explain it better talking than typing...

During USAC events... what you are talking about applies. The driver who pill draws last normally has a slower track than the guy qualifying early.