Expecting more than 1,600 entries, on the cusp of a new all-time record, the 39th Tulsa Shootout requires an effective agenda to whittle down gigantic numbers like 400 cars in one class to strictly 24 feature starters.

Last year, with 1,661 entries on hand, the “Mecca of Micros” conducted 358 races over a five-day stretch - including 171 Heat Races, 24 E-Mains, 28 D-Mains, 36 C-Mains, 44 B-Mains, 44 Qualifiers, 5 LCQ’s, and 6 Championship A-Mains. Ultimately, the Tulsa Expo Raceway surface saw 3,410 green flag laps contested.

Now, you are probably asking how on earth is it possible to get all this done in such a timely manner? Well, passing points is the name of the game.

The easiest description of the passing points chart (included below) can be broken down by finishing points AND THEN passing points. By position, drivers earn 100 points for first, 93 points for second, 86 points for third and dropping seven points per position from there. Then, you add in passing points, which is +5 for every position advanced and -1.5 for every position lost.

It all starts with pill draw, ironically one of the most important moments of the week. The four major divisions feature upwards of 40+ Heat Races, thus creating a huge divide in passing points and plenty of crucial tiebreakers. Some will win from the pole, others will charge from eighth, there will be those losing spots, and generally every situation occurs at least once.

Following Heat Races, the top 112 in passing points advance to eight Qualifiers (14 cars in each) with a four-car inversion in effect. That’s where the bubble gets more intense, with the top-32 points-getters involved in said inversion. Thus, high point man starts fourth in his Qualifier with ample opportunity to gain more points. The hardcore cutoff is that line between 32-33, which is the difference between starting on the pole and starting fifth.

Those missing the cut for Qualifiers are sent to E-Mains, D-Mains, and C-Mains to begin their alphabet soup bids.

In Qualifiers, which are often some of the most intense races of the week, drivers fight for more passing points. When its all said and done, only the top 16 in combined points will lock-in for their respective main event. Drivers 17th-112th split into B-Mains, and from there, the Last Chance Qualifier sends the final eight drivers into the big dance.

Once the full 24-car field in each division is set, it’s game on come Sunday night. With the iconic Golden Driller on the line, you never know what to expect come main event time.

FloRacing is the official live streaming partner of the Tulsa Shootout, which officially begins on Wednesday, December 27 with Heat Races that evening. The event continues all the way through Sunday, December 31 when six Golden Drillers are decided.

If you’re not a FloRacing subscriber, click here to become one today. For $150/year or $39.99/month, you get full access to the Tulsa Shootout, Chili Bowl Nationals, High Limit Racing, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, USAC Racing, and so much more.