NASCAR Racing: Nascar, nascar race, many cars

Question
Why are there 43 cars in a nascar race:

Answer
Hey Bruce,

Back in the Day, when NASCAR first started, they allowed as many cars that wanted to race, race.  One race started 98 cars, i can't remember which though.  Anyway, NASCAR determined that 43 is a safe number of cars to have on one track at one time, and it allowed enough cars on race day that the sponsors of those cars would stay happy, because of have their car on television during the race.
Hope i answered your question

Coy Jordan