Why is there 43 starters in a NASCAR race? Have there ever been more or less? Thanks.?

Answer 1

A lot of information on the sizes of starting fields:

http://www.nascar.com/2002/news/headlines/wc/03/22/starting_grid/index.html

"Prior to 1997 and particularly in the early 1990s, short fields were common, and in fact in some years, the norm. In fact, up through and including the 1996 season, fields were virtually tailored to the individual race tracks and the method for determining the field and provisional starters underwent several changes.

[...]

As NASCAR officials analyzed the situation, they saw a need to standardize the number for a starting field, and for the 1997 season the number 42 was settled on -- using the same 1-38 from time trials and four provisionals. It came about after looking at a number of factors including the number of entries that were being filed at that time, the number of teams attempting to run full seasons, purse figures, the available pit stalls and garage space and track conditions in terms of raceability."

Answer 2

Some of the old Riverside road course races had over 43, and there were some races in 2002 away from the South that had less than 43 drivers who tried to qualify so all of them got in. The short tracks used to run 36, but they are up to 43 as well. The last spot is reserved for a former champion who can't qualify on time for the race if this situation happens. It's like some other things in NASCAR, they just set the field at 43 for no particular reason.

Answer 3

I don't know the official reason for why there are 43 cars that make up the field at a NASCAR race but I am sure that there is a good reason why. Even though the official field number is 43, there have been a few times, including last year where I can recall a Busch race taking place with less than 43 cars because there weren't even enough entries for the race.

Answer 4

Before the "modern era" NASCAR had fields accordig to the size.
The smaller the track fewer cars(first race I watched in 1960 only had 16 cars) and the Talladega race in 69 ,or 70 had a field of 60 cars.
But in the modern era the fields were set at 43.

Answer 5

yes there have been more and even less, but the number now at 43 probably has more to do with that being the number of the car of the King of Nascar Richard Petty though that is debate material

Answer 6

Back in the day ( 1950's and 60's ) there were as many as 75 or 80. Someone got some brains and found that was too many. There was a wreck on every lap. Yes there have been less just as resent as last year. If only 42 cars show up for qualifing, they all make it in.

Answer 7

Back in the day there were as many as 80.

In the late 80's there were only 36

Now there are 43

Answer 8

There use to be more but Nascar set the # in the 80's and made it permant

Answer 9

all races 43 drivers qualify
in the daytona 500
1st & 2nd pos qualify
rest of field qualify
thur 2 twin 150 races
1st race all the cars on the left in each row
2nd race all the cars on the right in each row

43 IS THE MOST IN EACH RACE.....
SOME CARS QUALIFY FROM LAST SEASON STATS

BE SURE TO WATCH THE DAYTONA 500
ON FOX FEB 18

TWINS 150'S
FEB 15

Answer 10

i know there has been allot more back in the old days