NASCAR Cup Series

NASCAR's top-35 rule is a necessary evil

Published Mar. 18, 2009 5:48 p.m. ET

foxsports

Since its inception in 2005, few NASCAR rules have generated more debate than the top-35 rule, which guarantees starting spots to the top 35 teams in owner points.

Many believe the rule is grossly unfair, short-changing new teams that are struggling to break into the sport and part-time teams that show up occasionally hoping to pull an upset by qualifying for a race.