"To be fair USAC qualified last."
That is true, but the minimum weight rule in USAC with the driver is 1035 pounds. The minimum weight rule for Badger is 1100 pounds.
65 pounds will make a difference on a dry slick track like they had for the Firemen's Nationals. And 4 of USAC's 22 cars were Badger regulars.
Does USAC really NEED those $70,000 engines to put on a good show for the fans?