Sad: NASCAR Sprint Doesn't Fill Field

For the first time in who knows how long, only 42 drivers are entered in this week's race at Kentucky.  A normal field is 43 cars.
From Jayski: Entry List for the Quaker State 400 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway is posted, ONLY 42 teams/drivers [for 43 spots] are listed, including: #32-Kvapil, #33-Stremme, #66-Nemechek.
Since only 42 cars are entered, all drivers will make the race.
Last time less then 43 cars entered The last time a Sprint Cup Series race was held with fewer than 43 cars was the 2001 season finale at New Hampshire but that race was rescheduled from Sept. 16 to Nov. 23 because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The #27 car of Rick Mast was withdrawn as the team had shut down and was not replaced by NASCAR. Before that, the last race without 43 cars was in October 1997 at Talladega when 42 cars started but 47 cars were entered. In 1997, 42 was the mandated number with the 43rd spot reserved for a former Cup champion that had not qualified. The last time a Sprint Cup Series race had less cars entered then the maximum was in September 1996 at Dover, when 41 cars ran.  http://www.jayski.com/cupnews.htm#20140627a
Many races this year barely had 43 cars and now they only have 4 cars.
I wonder if they will allow my 2001 Ford into the race?