NASCAR fans. When was the last time...?

Question

With all the sponsorship woes, and teams shutting there doors, it seems like only a matter of time until it happens.

When was the last time there were less than the standard 43 cars in a Cup race?

Answer 1

I've been looking for it but I don't think it was more than 20 year's ago. I'm not sure that would happen again anytime soon.



Interesting question though.

There's a saying that says "If you want to know the state of the US economy, first look into who's sponsoring Nascar."



What I see is a panic. Notice how the trend has switched to multi-sponsor partnership's that foot the bill 50/50 or similar like Amp and the National Gaurd.

Havoline and Wrigley's Gum.

M+M's brand and Interstate Batteries.

There's still the untouchable company's like Bud and Dupont. But In a nutshell, the economy's getting bad.

I just hope it gets better...soon!

Answer 2

I was just wondering that myself this week when the #40 was scratched from the rest of the season. Good question.

Answer 3

the bigger teams will just add another car.

Answer 4

Sponsorship woes? Like what?  And one team may be shutting down...but then another team (Haas) is starting.  There will be less go or go home cars because there will always be someone to take another's drivers place if that driver doesn't get a ride next season.

I don't know how many years there were 43 cars racing...I do believe thought that it will continue for a long time to come.  NASCAR is the 2nd most watched sport (football is first).  .  It isn't going anywhere but up. .

Answer 5

It never has since I started watching in 2002 so I couldn't tell you. It will never happen. Sponsors pay big dollars for even field fillers, especially if they're guarateed in the race.

Answer 6

It was probably before I was born or only shortly after, there will always be 43 cars, even someone with no chance is bound to show up.

Answer 7

not sure about cup but they do it in nationwide series a lot cuz there are some cars that just show up and dont start cuz there is only 43 cars sometimes qualifying so they no they can not run the race and just get the money thus making the field less than 43 cars.

where are there sponsership woes is what i would like to no

Answer 8

in the 50's when they only ran 42

why you think enough cars wont show up ?

they'll come out the wood works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!