NASCAR Racing: races, nascar races, economic troubles

Question
Why do NASCAR races have 43 cars. Wouldn't it make more sense to have fewer cars for the shorter tracks [ie Bristol}?

Answer
Hi Penelope,

Back in the old days of NASCAR, there were some tracks where there were no limits, such as Darlington (as many as 75) and Daytona (in the 50's many times). Over the years the size sort of evolved. It was 40 for the large tracks and 32 for the small tracks in the late 70's and early 80's. Then if was 42 for large and 36 for the small/short tracks. The the champion's provisional took it to 43 and NASCAR made 43 universal at all tracks including thee small/short tracks, like Bristol.  Recently though, economic troubles have kept the smaller teams out...easily keeping the field at 43.
Hope this help
Coy Jordan