NASCAR Racing: Why 43 cars on start, 44 cars, sprint cup

Question
The starting grid has 22 rows (enough for 44 cars). Why does NASCAR start with 43 cars with only one car in row 22.  Looks like they would fill row 22 with two cars for total of 44 starting cars.

Thanks,
Herb  

Answer
NASCAR made it mandatory in 1997 that all Sprint Cup races have 43 cars start, no more and no less. I believe the rule was put into place to add the Past Champions Provisional to make sure a former champion didn't miss the race. This is why at times a lot of "Go or go home" drivers or "Field Fillers" attempt the race, because some teams decide they do not wish to run the event and other teams such as those show up in the hopes of having a better chance to make the race. I hope this answers your question. As to why they don't run more or less than 43 cars is totally beyond me, I've tried looking it up and the only answer I get is what I explained to you.