In a move to satisfy teams that compete in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series, the sanctioning body announced Monday afternoon that they are expanding the field to 40 vehicles each until qualifying is restored to the weekend event schedule as the sport tries to reboot itself from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The temporary procedural change increases the field from Xfinity Series’ traditional 36 entries (four additional positions) and the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series standard 32 (eight additional positions).
NASCAR made no changes to the NASCAR Cup Series’ field size, which remains at a maximum of 40 cars, 36 set for charter teams and four for non-chartered organizations.
Section 1.6 of the 2020 NASCAR Rule Book allows for the sanctioning body to adjust to unforeseen and | or extraordinary circumstances under the “EIRI” clause — “Except In Rare Instances” –– which applies to the existing public-health crisis and unprecedented NASCAR industry halt.
In its rollout to emerge NASCAR from hiatus, the sanctioning body will holds races at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway this month with safety precautions in place.
Forgoing pole qualifying was one of the precautionary measures set in place to restrict potential exposure.
The two series will return to their normal field sizes once restrictions begin to ease and qualifying is restored.
“This move is critical for the long-term health of the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition.
“There are many new full-time and part-time team owners who have made significant commitments to our sport and secured sponsorship to participate this season. NASCAR wants to enable these teams to fulfill their commitments and grow their businesses without being affected by circumstances out of their control.”
The NASCAR points structure will not be dramatically changed with the additional entries.
In the Xfinity Series, teams will continue to award a baseline of 40 championship points for first and one point for 36th – which was last in the most recent race at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway. Under the temporary change, competitors 37th through 40th will also receive one point.
In Truck Series, first place will also continue to receive 40 points with five points available for 32nd the last position in their most recent race at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway. For now, teams finishing 33rd through 40th will each also receive five points.
A NASCAR spokesperson said that purse money will be awarded to the extra race positions for the Xfinity and Truck Series teams, but NASCAR does not disclose the breakdown of purse money per position.
Post entries will not be eligible to compete in Xfinity and Truck Series events.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
