I agree, most winged shows I see the winner of the heats comes from the pole or the front two rows, generally. Only time I see someone come from the back using passing points is if a really fast guy gets a really bad draw.

I've always liked USAC's format for the sprints, I thought it was one of the most challenging just to make the main. My only issue with the USAC format is you get your time back by making the main. I know they invert the first six but I'd like to see mains lined up by heat race finish instead, and then the B main at the back.