NASCAR May See Smaller Racing Fields ThisYear

by 4ever3 on Jan 21, 2009 9:46 PM EST

When I went to the Canadian Motorsports Expo on the weekend I had an interesting conversation with a die-hard Dale Jr fan, he was worried about the economic state of NASCAR.

He asked me about my thoughts on the subject which I coincidentally had already shared with a friend of mine at work just days before.

Basically here is how I see it, we will see races without a full field of cars this year - most likely at the tracks that are further away from NASCAR's epicentre, Charlotte N.C. The number of cars trying to qualify for a race will decrease proportionately with the increase in travel distance from the race shops in the Charlotte area.

Also, you will see a lot of low calibre cars trying to make races that have larger purses like the Daytona 500, The Coca Cola 600 at Lowes and the Allstate 400 at Indy. Just making the race and running one lap can mean a $50 000 plus payday for some struggling teams. Look for these cars to run one lap and then go to the garage area because of 'mechanical problems'. 'Mechanical problems' meaning they only have one motor (probably leased from a big name team like Hendrick) and they can't afford to loose it because they need it to qualify and the next high paying race.

In a way NASCAR is returning to its roots in that they will struggle to fill race fields and that there will be some low budget teams trying to get some quick cash to support their struggling racing programs. This happened in the early days in NASCAR as well as during periods of the 1970's, 1980's, and 1990's so this is nothing new to NASCAR although this is something new to the 'new' NASCAR of the new century and it's new fans who never experienced this in NASCAR before.

Hey I just had a thought, maybe Tommy Baldwin has foreseen this situation and that is why he is starting his own team to run full-time. Since there will be fewer cars trying to make each race then his start-up team should make more races and maybe even compete for a top 35 spot in the owner points. I did call him shrewd.

Anyway, to sort of confirm my thoughts about the upcoming year in NASCAR I came across this article over at John Daly's blog about what DW had to say off camera about the number of cars coming out to each race this year. Looks like DW has the same opinion I do. Don't bother going to the youtube link either it has been 'removed'.

Photo Credit: daylife.com

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I don't think we'll see any races without full fields, but we'll definitely see a lot of fillers as you suggested, not just at the big money tracks but everywhere.

There are a handful of drivers based out west that seem to only attempt those races, and what better time to try and make a name for yourself, since they're pretty much guaranteed into the show without having to qualify.

Like you said...it's a great time to be a new team to try and get in that top 35 heading forward...so when the economy does come around, they might be set to be a factor. And it's not like there aren't quite a few talented drivers sitting on the sidelines willing to drive for peanuts.

by Rick on Jan 22, 2009 8:24 AM EST reply actions

I have to agree with you with regard to Tommy Baldwin. As a fellow Long Islander I am bursting with pride over him and his team. As to field fillers. They are like bad weather. They are always there around the corner. The thing is if they try to get in the field it is not a done deal. More power to them if they make the field. To be sure about one thing the majority of the racing and passing is done in front and to a lesser degree the middle. The guys in the back do not tend to compete all that well. Maybe some of them should not be on the track but the spots are there and if they want to try let them.

God that was a rambling rant. Sorry that it was all over the place.

by Tesswpfd17 on Jan 22, 2009 12:52 PM EST reply actions

As sadly as it sounds, I believe you are completely correct about what we will see this upcoming year. As a matter of fact, I believe it will be more then just this year, I foresee it being like this for several years until the economy stablizes but who knows when that will happen.

Hats off to the "Little Guys", to be honest, it will be refreshing to see some new faces and cars out here in the field, I am tired of seeing the same ones week in and week out always up front. Ah, but he who has the money will also make it a point to win.

Great entry on this subject.

by DaleJarrett4Ever on Jan 23, 2009 2:23 PM EST reply actions