Back in the old days (OK, back in the early '60s) I don't remember ever hearing of a provisional. However, and it is a big however, we had the "promoter's option". I've seen 1, 2 and even 3 cars added to the back of the field. I don't remember anyone ever being displeased because they were added. They were drivers who the fans wanted to see race and didn't make the "A" for whatever reason.

I don't disagree with some of the other responses about better tow money, etc. I just wanted to point out that, even in the days before provisionals, ways were found to get drivers into the feature who we wanted to see race. You may (I think rightly) disagree with the way it worked on a specific occasion, but I have no problem with the concept in general.

Frank Daigh