.......have 43 cars in the field at the start of each Cup race? Why not 42? or 44?

Been searching for the answer to this questions for three years with no luck :confused:

http://www.jayski.com/stats/2004/chmpprov2004.htm

:)

It is numbered for the king of Racing. Richard Petty #43.:thumbsup:
JK.. I wondered that sometimes myself..
Thanks Gene. Interesting site.:thumbsup:

I must be missing something, as I don't see where that site answers the question. :confused:

The power of Google ...

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

From AFXToos 'power of google' link:

"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."

Actually, the above is why they settled on 42 back in 1997. It was 43 sometimes before that, and 43 most of the time after that.

But if you were looking for why they settled on a certain number in this 40ish range (as opposed to say 25, or 171), the reason for 42 was the best answer I have seen.

Jeff - knows more about NASCAR now then he ever thought he would

Jeff - knows more about NASCAR now then he ever thought he would

I know that feeling. ;)

Thanks guys. The mystery is finally solved.:woohoo:

They start 43 cars @ Dover De. eventhought there are only 42 pits. Two cars have to share a pit until a car wrecks or otherwise can no longer compete. Then one of the crews sharing will take over the pit vacated by the retired car.

They start 43 cars @ Dover De. eventhought there are only 42 pits. Two cars have to share a pit until a car wrecks or otherwise can no longer compete. Then one of the crews sharing will take over the pit vacated by the retired car.

Yep. Dover is my local track. In fact, this was also one of the reasons I've been curious.

I love Dover but you have to be across from the pits and 20 or more rows up so you can see some of the backstretch.

I agree. I'm guessing that it's true of most of the larger oval tracks....the higher your seats, the better the view.