Watkins Glen set for smallest NASCAR Cup Series field in years

NASCAR calls 36 cars a “full” field, so Watkins Glen will qualify … though just barely.

One of the most interesting parts of the charter system instituted for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup series is how rarely it’s really come into play since fewer cars than ever are attempting to make some of this season’s races. Nowhere will that be truer than at this weekend’s I Love New York 355 at The Glen.

The entry list for the road course at Watkins Glen lists only 36 cars attempting the race, which would make this the smallest field of 2017 and in recent memory as well. The previous low of 37 came at Michigan in June, which was also the smallest since North Wilkesboro Speedway (remember that track?) welcomed 37 cars way back in September 1996.

It’s not a shock to see a smaller field at a road course since some of the lower-funded teams don’t have drivers with the proper experience and don’t like sending them out there just to tear up cars. Still, it’s common to see road course ringers like Boris Said come in and try their luck, which is what happened in Sonoma earlier this season.

At Watkins Glen? Not so much. Only Gary Klutt, driving the No. 15 Chevrolet for Premium Motorsports, is someone fans are unaccustomed to seeing in a NASCAR Cup Series race. He’s subbing for Joey Gase, who has started most weeks for that team.

Premium Motorsports isn’t starting its other car, the No. 55, which is typically driven by Gray Gaulding. Nor will the No. 51 of Rick Ware Racing and B.J. McLeod be heading to The Glen. BK Racing is sending the 23 car with Corey LaJoie behind the wheel, but the 83 is sitting this one out.

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Not only will every car make the race, there are actually four additional spots that could be filled. No charters needed.

Is NASCAR concerned? Certainly not publicly, as the governing body has gone on record as saying that 36 cars is a “full” field. But fans aren’t dumb, and they know that less than 40 cars, especially two whole rows less, is a bad look.

NASCAR would undoubtedly not enjoy answering questions if and when a 35-car field showed up for a Cup Series race. Here’s hoping it never happens, though it’s looking increasingly likely that it just might.