I don't think you can have a replacement driver for the Unlimited. It's a "reward" for the driver, not the team or car. When I said earlier that Stenhouse was Smoke's replacement driver...sorta, He isn't a replacement driver, he is the next eligible driver in line to fill the field of 25. Mears was the next eligible driver to fill Gordon's spot.
Now what am I supposed to say about Nascar's little closed country club?
36 cars are guaranteed a starting spot. no matter how bad they are. As long as you have enough money you can buy your way in, as SHR did for the 41 and Gibbs did for the 19. Qualifying should be drawing straws for the 36 and have real qualifying runs for the remaining 4 spots, since the field is now only 40. Try to break in to Nascar now - You're shafted.
We won't know how D500 qualifying will be be run because it won't be announced until tomorrow. Will the field be 40 or 43? Are the club members given a guaranteed starting spot and the heck with the teams that have no card, but have been spending time and money getting ready for this season.
