Why are there 43 cars in every NASCAR race?
In NASCAR, almost all events have 43 competitors on the starting grid. Prior to 1997, NASCAR’s starting fields ranged from 32 to 44 cars, depending on the size of the track. In 1997, NASCAR officials deemed it necessary to regulate the starting field to 42 cars, plus a reserved champion’s provisional, which became the 43rd slot.Setting a Standard NumberNASCAR officials decided to set a customary number of starters for a race to simplify race entry filings, race earnings, available pit boxes and garage stalls. NASCAR also factored in the amount of teams and drivers intending to compete in the full slate of races.The Number 43When NASCAR first decided on a standard number of starters for each race in 1997, they reserved 38 spots for the top qualifiers, with four provisional openings. The past champion’s provisional became the final starting slot.Past Champion’s ProvisionalNASCAR instituted the past champion’s provisional to protect former champions (such as the popular Richard Petty) fro
