Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_name_17 (start INTEGER, year VARCHAR, engine VARCHAR, finish VARCHAR)

### Question ###
How many starts are associated with an oldsmobile engine, 21 finishes and before 2001?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT SUM(start) FROM table_name_17 WHERE engine = "oldsmobile" AND finish = 21 AND year < 2001