I remember when the points leaders started in the back at Speedway.
Now its all based on the heats and the pill draw (not sure about all classes though). For the sprint cars they earn passing points in the heats good towards the main start position. Jesse started in the back of his heat, and I believe the 5 sport mod started towards the rear (correct me if I am wrong), so I give these guys the credit. Although the 5 car was legally able to run sport mod tires which are a softer compound with a better tread pattern. (didn't look, just what I heard).
I have seen shows where they start both in the front of the heats and feature, and you are right,,, it sucks when they win especially when they have little or no yellow flags on a one groove track.

Thats why I hate dry tracks so much.