Field Filler

A field filler is a driver or team in motorsport that enters a race primarily to complete the starting grid rather than to compete for winning positions or top finishes.

In many racing series, organizers prefer to have a full starting grid for each event because it makes the race look more competitive and exciting for fans and television audiences. When there aren't enough competitive teams willing or able to enter a race, field fillers step in to occupy those empty spots on the grid. These participants are typically slower than the majority of competitors and lack the resources, equipment, or intention to run at the front of the pack.

Field fillers operate under different strategies depending on their goals and budgets. Some teams practice what's known as "start and park," which means they start the race to meet the minimum participation requirement, then intentionally pull their car off the track after just a few laps. This strategy allows them to collect prize money for participating while minimizing expenses like tire wear, fuel consumption, and engine stress. Even last-place finishers in major racing series can earn thousands of dollars in prize money, which helps these small teams stay afloat financially.

Other field filler entries choose to run the entire race distance, but they do so at a significantly slower pace than the leaders. These teams might be using older equipment, have less experienced drivers, or simply lack the budget to compete at higher levels. While they complete the full race, they're often multiple laps behind the leaders by the time the checkered flag waves.

The term field filler is sometimes used interchangeably with "backmarker," especially in international racing series like Formula One and IndyCar. However, there's a subtle distinction: backmarkers might simply be slower cars that are still trying their best to compete, while field fillers are specifically entering just to fill out the grid numbers.

The practice of using field fillers has drawn criticism from racing purists and more competitive teams. Critics argue that these entries take up spots that could go to teams genuinely committed to racing for the full distance and competing for position. In series with limited grid sizes, this can prevent legitimate racing operations from participating. Additionally, significantly slower cars on track can sometimes create safety concerns when faster competitors need to navigate around them during the race.

Despite the criticism, field fillers serve an economic purpose in motorsport. The prize money they earn, even from poor finishes, can help fund their racing programs or support more competitive efforts in other series. Some teams use field filler strategies in one race to conserve resources for another event where they have a better chance of success. Notable examples of drivers and teams associated with field filler operations include Greg Sacks, Dave Marcus, Morgan Shepherd, and Kirk Shelmerdine, among others who have employed this strategy at various points in their racing careers.