43 drivers are in one Nascar Sprint Cup Series race.
Every car that enters a race will be paid for that race. Even if it does not finish the race. The amount a car (and driver) gets paid depends on the position the car ends the race in.
It depends on they're team and sponsors. They are contracted.
In a Nascar Cup and Nationwide Series race there are 43 drivers. In a Nascar Truck Series race there are 36 starting drivers.
You're paid by your finishing position, regardless of if you're running at the checkered flag.
In 2011, Danica Patrick started 12 Nascar Nationwide Series races. She did not race in the Nascar Cup Series.
The Nascar Cup Series fields 43 drivers at every race they go to on the schedule.
You lap someone in a Nascar race.
NASCAR Race Day was created in 2005.
NASCAR Race Day ended in 2006.
NASCAR Race Hub was created in 2010.
Unlimited can qualify, but only 43 can race.