NASCAR: Should small and uncompetitive teams be allowed to compete?

Effect on drivers’ careers and field sizes

With all of that said, should running in 34th place for a small and uncompetitive team really negatively affect a driver’s chances of landing a full-time ride with a better team? No, but it does, which is one of the reasons why small and underfunded teams targeting young drivers, like BK Racing have done with Gray Gaulding, can end up being a huge issue.

Thirdly, there is the issue of field sizes. Should field sizes be limited so fewer of the uncompetitive cars make the field? Of course, many traditionalists will argue against this since limiting field sizes to smaller than they already are would create some of the smallest fields in the history of the sport.

However, the 40-car limit that is currently used was only implemented in the 2016 season, as the traditional 43-car limit was abandoned prior to the start of the season. There is nothing traditional about the current limit, and rarely are the 40 cars on an entry list anyway.

Between 36 and 39 drivers have competed in 10 of the 12 races so far this season. Another reduction in field size limits, especially with NASCAR having been and being on the decline in recent years, would not be as devastating as everyone believes it might be, especially since full-time drivers would not be affected by it as far as qualifying for races goes, as NASCAR has a provision to protect them.