But its a helluva lot better than previously
2009: The field consists of 28 cars. The top six teams from each manufacturer (Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, and Toyota) based on owners' points from the previous season clinch berths, for a total of 24 cars. Previous season's pole position winners no longer were a qualifying factor. Unlike previous formats, the entry receives the berth, not the driver. In addition, each of the four manufacturers receive one "wild card" berth for a car/driver not already qualified, to bring the grand total to 28 cars. The other four "entries" were for previous champions and past Shootout winners. This system was discarded after only one year.
remember that abortion??
2010-2011: A new qualifying format was introduced, which expanded the field, with no size limitations:
The 12 drivers from the previous season's Chase
Previous Budweiser Shootout winners
Previous points-paying winners at Daytona (Daytona 500 or Coke Zero 400)
Previous Sprint Cup champions
The last 10 Rookies of year (in 2010, it was only the reigning rookie of the year)
2012: The field was once again expanded. Automatic bids went to the top 25 in series points (every driver from eventual series champion Tony Stewart to 25th place Brian Vickers), as well as any Daytona race winner who was not otherwise qualified and who competed in at least one race in 2011 (which will enable Bill Elliott, Geoff Bodine, Derrike Cope, Michael Waltrip, Jamie McMurray, Trevor Bayne, Terry Labonte, and Ken Schrader to make the race if they decide to run).
THANK GOD they are going back to what it use to be
2002-2008: Pole position winners from the previous season clinched automatic berths. All former winners of the event not already qualified received automatic berths.