Why does NASCAR run 43 cars in a race?

syscokid

From InsiderRacingNews.com, posted 12/30/02: NASCAR started playing with the size of the fields five or six years ago. Different tracks used to start different amounts of cars in each race depending mainly on how many pit stalls the track had available to use. NASCAR wanted to standardize the size of the fields and after some trial and error, settled on a field consisting of 36 qualifiers with six provisionals that could be used by the regular drivers. That's a total of 42 cars. The story about the odd car, the 43rd starter, began about twelve years ago when Richard Petty was having trouble making the starting lineup. NASCAR created a Champions Provisional to help get Petty into the field. In fact it could be used to help any present or ex-champion but just recently was used for other drivers, if a Champions Provisional wasn't used. It goes to the car owner with the highest points that didn't qualify on speed. NASCAR was happy with the standardization and stuck with that number even though some drivers had to share pit stalls at some tracks before they were brought up to the present standards. They could run more at some tracks and they probably should run fewer cars at others, but it's a standard 43 cars now and I don't see that ever changing. Mar 09 06, 8:16 AM

Create a Free FunTrivia ID to add to, request more/new answers, or edit this entry

Who was Cale Yarborough's sponsor in Nascar's 1976 championship race? What is the record for the most red flags in a NASCAR Winston (Now Nextel) cup race? What octane fuel does the NASCAR Nextel Cup use? How many career wins does Robby Gordon have in the sport of NASCAR?

1 NASCAR Cars & Drivers 2003 This should be easy if you are a NASCAR fan. I`ll give you the car number and main sponsor, and you tell me the driver. Have Fun! Sponsors & Numbers Very Easy 10 Q Rusty2fan Nov 24 03 2598 plays 2 Nascar Race Winners Some of Nascar's most famous races. Which driver won them? NASCAR Mixed Average 10 Q coolcale11 Nov 30 05 612 plays 3 Bruce McLaren's Race Cars Bruce McLaren was a race car driver and designer. His cars raced in the Can-Am, Indy Car and Formula One series'. Here are 5 multiple choice questions about the man and his machines. Worldwide Auto Racing Tough 5 Q dwcdaid Apr 23 03 261 plays