NASCAR Racing: TERMINOLOGY - Definition, buckshot jones, winston cup

Question
I've noticed that there are some entries in the Winston Cup lineup who failed to qualify on qualifying day – but get entered at the back of the starting line-up as “provisionals”.    Seems like Buckshot Jones has had this designation for weeks.  Can you tell ne the criteria used to define an entry as "provisional”?  Thanks

Answer
Hi Rick,
 Provisionals, means different things , if a driver fails to complete the race they can take a provisional the next race, depending on how they finished last race prior or points standings! Julie !Say they did not qulify for the race speed wise after three trys , and they are in the points better then someone who did not also quailfy speed wise there intitled to take a provision !! Which is why not only do they go out there even if they crash or thier car runs slow they stay out for points thats helps so if they dont for some reason quailfy the nest time they can take that !