Charter Concerns Are A Fan Problem, Not A NASCAR Problem

Concern: The field has been reduced to 40 cars.

First of all, this might have happened without the charter system. In the last couple of years, NASCAR has reduced the size of the Xfinity Series field from 43 to 40 cars, and the Camping World Truck Series from 36 trucks to 32. Did trimming 10% of the car count really affect anyone’s viewing experience? I can’t say I watched an Xfinity race last year thinking “you know, this is fine but it really needs three more slow cars.”

And really, this might be the best thing for NASCAR for 2017 and beyond. The Xfinity and Truck Series need more good drivers and teams. Perhaps this is a move that strengthens NASCAR as a whole, as an owner who would be on the outside of the chartered teams at the Cup level could choose to go to one of the other series. And there is nothing keeping anyone from showing up and trying to qualify for a race. Just bring a car and driver that is one of the four fastest “open” cars and you are racing on Sunday.

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