How did Michael Waltrip after running a 50.388 qualifying lap that would have put him in the 20th starting position not qualify for the Aaron's 499 at Talladega?

The drivers with the top thirty-five points positions ae guaranteed a spot in the race each week. They only qualify for starting spots. Those outside the top thirty-five have to qulify for the last eight spots on speed. Micheal was outside the top eight. It sucks but that's the screwed up way Nascar runs things.