How NASCAR Drivers Get Their Iconic Car Numbers
NASCAR driver identification is often intertwined with their car numbers, becoming synonymous with their persona. But how are these numbers assigned? The process, as explained by a joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) insider in a YouTube video, involves a request to NASCAR, the sport’s governing body.
Numbers Tied to Charters and History
NASCAR assigns numbers to teams, typically those tied to charters, which grant guaranteed entry into races. Teams can hold onto these numbers even if they don’t field a car for a period, as JGR did with the #18. “Every number has a great deal of history,” the JGR representative noted, citing the #11 as the winningest number in NASCAR history.
Retiring Numbers in NASCAR
Unlike other sports where retiring a number often honors a player, in NASCAR, continuing to use a number post-retirement can help maintain fan allegiance to a team. While teams aren’t obligated to retire numbers, fan pressure frequently enough plays a role. As a notable example, there were calls to retire Jeff Gordon’s #24 after his 2015 retirement and Dale Earnhardt’s #3 following his fatal accident in 2001.
Transferring and Changing Numbers
Teams can transfer or sell their numbers to other teams. A prime example is Front Row Motorsports acquiring the #4 car from Stewart-Haas Racing after SHR ceased operations. Teams can also temporarily change their numbers for special occasions, as Kyle Busch did in 2016, driving the #75 car in the All-Star Race to celebrate the 75th anniversary of M&M’s.
How does NASCAR assign car numbers to drivers adn teams?
How NASCAR Drivers Get Their Iconic Car Numbers
NASCAR driver identification is frequently enough intertwined with their car numbers, becoming synonymous with their persona. But how are these numbers assigned? The process, as explained by a joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) insider in a YouTube video, involves a request to NASCAR, the sport’s governing body.
Numbers Tied to Charters and History
NASCAR assigns numbers to teams, typically those tied to charters, which grant guaranteed entry into races.Teams can hold onto these numbers even if they don’t field a car for a period, as JGR did with the #18. “Every number has a great deal of history,” the JGR representative noted, citing the #11 as the winningest number in NASCAR history.
Retiring Numbers in NASCAR
unlike other sports where retiring a number often honors a player,in NASCAR,continuing to use a number post-retirement can help maintain fan allegiance to a team.While teams aren’t obligated to retire numbers, fan pressure frequently enough plays a role. As a notable example, there were calls to retire Jeff Gordon’s #24 after his 2015 retirement and Dale Earnhardt’s #3 following his fatal accident in 2001.
Transferring and Changing Numbers
Teams can transfer or sell their numbers to other teams. A prime example is Front Row Motorsports acquiring the #4 car from Stewart-Haas racing after SHR ceased operations.Teams can also temporarily change their numbers for special occasions, as Kyle Busch did in 2016, driving the #75 car in the All-Star Race to celebrate the 75th anniversary of M&M’s.
NASCAR Number FAQs
Q: Are NASCAR numbers permanently assigned to drivers?
A: Not necessarily. Numbers are typically tied to teams and their charters, which grant guaranteed entry into races. Drivers can change teams,and their numbers might change accordingly.
Q: Why are some numbers considered more iconic than others?
A: Numbers often become iconic due to the success of drivers who have used them. The #11, such as, is considered the winningest number in NASCAR history [[1](https://www.nascar.com/drivers/nascar-cup-series/)].
Q: How often are numbers retired in NASCAR?
A: Unlike other sports, retiring numbers in NASCAR is less common. Teams aren’t obligated to retire numbers,although fan pressure can play a role.
Q: Can teams change their car numbers temporarily?
A: Yes, teams can change their numbers for special events or to commemorate anniversaries. For example, Kyle Busch drove the #75 car in the 2016 All-Star race to honor M&M’s 75th anniversary.
Dive deeper into the world of NASCAR and discover the rich history and meaning behind the iconic car numbers!
