When Did "Alternate" Starters Disappear in NASCAR?

Do you remember, back in the day, when NASCAR used to line up a #1 and #2 "Alternate" starter behind the Grand National field on pit road? If a car wouldn't start, the "first" alternate got the call and went out with the field and raced. I'm guessing all this disappeared somewhere in the wake of the Winner's Circle program and guaranteed starting positions, but don't really know.

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM

I remember that very well Dave. Never occurred to me to wonder what happened because I just assumed the rules had been changed to make sure the guaranteed starters all got in the race.


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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.

I'll never forget the race that led directly to the Past Champion's Provisional. It was the 1989 Pontiac Excitement 400 spring Cup race at Richmond and Richard Petty failed to make the field. Track promoter and owner, Paul Sawyer was devastated that his good friend Richard, the track's winningest driver with 13 victories, wouldn't start and begged Bill France, Jr. to let him race. Paul swore he would campaign to be sure it never happened again. The Past Champion's Provisional is a direct result of Richard failing to qualify for that 1989 Richmond race and for a good while the provisional slot was called "The Petty Rule."


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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"

It was part of the sport for years but I to never gave it much thought when it dissappeared. I do remember that Tiny Lund was the 1st alternate for the race he was killed in. Seems Grant Adcox withdrew after blowing an engine, I think, and Tiny got the start only to perish on lap seven in a multicar crash on the backstretch at Talladega.

an interesting sidenote to the petty story in that richmond event. a consolation race was run for all non-qualifiers for what i believe was the last time ever. petty was eligible to run but chose not to compete. only five cars started the ill advised affair. bill meachum won with j.d. mcduffie second. BTW kyle petty and hut sticklin were also DNQ's that chose to skip the consolation tilt.

The Past Champion's Provisional is a direct result of Richard failing to qualify for that 1989 Richmond race and for a good while the provisional slot was called "The Petty Rule."

Maybe that whyNASCAR have 43 starting positions instead of 44 starting positions.

I noticed some NASCAR Cup races have just 44 race cars entry and show up for the race and 1 race car have to go home.

How come NASCAR just let this race car start the race in 44th position??

"I do remember that Tiny Lund was the 1st alternate for the race he was killed in."

At this time "Tiny Lund" was an very popular race driver with race fans, maybe after this Talladega race, NASCAR did away with the "#1 and #2 Race Stater Alternates".

Robert, I had completely forgotten that consi event - very ill advised as you note. Thanks for bringing it up.


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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"

This horse story today caught my eye:

Kentucky Derby will allow replacements next year

LOUISVILLE, Ky. Churchill Downs will allow replacements for scratched entries in The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks beginning next year.

Churchill says up to four "also-eligible" entrants will be designated ahead of each of the races. The replacement horses would be able to run if there are scratches before 9 a.m. on the day of the Oaks, which is the Friday before the first Saturday in May.

Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery says there had been discussion about allowing the late entries after two recent Kentucky Derby favorites, including Uncle Mo this year, had late scratches.

If a late scratch occurs, the also-eligible horse with the highest total earnings in graded stakes races would be first in line, and that horse would move into the outermost post position.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/12/18/2857682/sportstoday-your-guide-to-whats.html#storylink=misearch#ixzz1gthQIF3q

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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"

Great reading, interesting facts here, did not know about the "Petty Rule" yet always wondered about the 43 car field and why only 43? From Alternate Starters, to Past Champions Provisional to Consolation Events, it's good information to know.

If we go back far enough Neil Castles made a living of sand bagging on his time trial laps and starting on the pole in the consi. (inverted field slowest starting on the front row) Every track had a 20 lap consi with the winner getting 250 bucks or so and getting into the Sunday show.

The number 06 car would always win the consi and make the show, the old guy knew how to make a few bucks.

Soapy would then start the big race run a few laps and be half back to his home before the race was over.

Mike Ashley