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I think Johnny Gibson's post on Hoseheads outlines the situation the best. See below
As the announcer for the World of Oultaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series, I obviously have a stake in this discussion, but I'm posting here as a race fan first. I LOVE the format--in fact, I've been trying to convince the series officials to run this format for years, and it has nothing to do with benefiting "our" teams, but actually trying to improve the heat races.
In the "old" format (3 heat program), a driver could be quick time, LOSE two positions in his heat, and still start on the pole of the dash. And a driver who timed 24th could start 8th in his heat, pass 6 cars, finish second, and still start 24th in the A-main. With the new format, the quick time driver has to at least hold his position to start on the pole of the initial dash line-up, and the driver who times 24th and passes 6 cars is in the dash (and starts 7th in the A if he only passes 5 cars). It also means the end of drivers "coasting" thru a heat (knowing their starting position in the dash or the A-main is secured by just a top 6 finish in a 3 heat program or a top 5 finish in a 4 heat program).
Granted, most nights heat race quality is more a factor of track condition than anything, and clean air is a huge advantage no matter WHO starts in front, but at least with this format there's now REASON to try to race harder in the heats.
For those that suggest a two heat format: I've seen this in Australia quite a bit the past few years, and I don't like it at all. It adds more time to the program, and a point system is VERY difficult to keep track of. (The ability to keep track of what's going on is HUGE in my opinion--and that comes from my conversations with fans.)
Also--something I haven't seen mentioned in any comments about multiple heats: more cost for the teams. It's basically another main event on an engine every 3 or 4 races. (The cost of multiple heats is something I hear about A LOT from drivers in Australia.)
In short, I think that this format is the best possible format (none are perfect) for a nationally touring series like the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series, and I believe over the course of the year will significantly improve the heat racing (which is the intent).
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