Starting line up history question......?

Question

Is there any history of starting 3 wide?
Just curious, like in the real ~old~ days or has it always been 2 wide?
What would happen if they did start 3 wide, like at the bigger tracks? Or would it just a big ol' wreckfest?

Answer 1

In September of 1951, 82 cars started the Darlington Southern 500(won by Herb Thomas).
In May 1973 there were 60 cars that started the race,but they were 2 wide.

Answer 2

3 wide would not go with the short tracks, to my knowledge, two wide is all they have ever done...