Before running a race, typically all cars must run what is known as a qualifying run to determine where the car will start on race day.  Qualifying is generally based on pure speed – cars on most tracks run two laps, and their top speed on a given lap is used as the qualifying time.  Drivers start a race depending on where they qualified.  In the Sprint Cup Series, whatever cars happen to be in the top 35 in the Cup standings qualify for a race; 43 positions will be filled.  If qualifying is canceled for any reason, the starting order will be determined by points which are awarded to team owners following each NASCAR race.