Arianne:  It would be impossible to state that the average American household's abundance of disposable income has not been affected by the rise in gas prices and grocery bills.  The economy may not have as much of an impact on some age groups but for those of us who are raising kids, paying bills and commuting back and forth to work, the bottom line at the end of every month is different than what it used to be.  Being part-owner of a small journalism company also shines a different light on travel expenses.  It appears that business owners and race fans from both ends of the financial spectrum are counting pennies and being more selective with the way money is spent.

NASCAR may suffer more than other sports since other professional sporting events are spectated through season ticket packages where less travel is required by consumers.  

Kris:  I think it's clear as you look in the grandstands during races that there are quite a few empty seats each week. The broadcasters would like us to think the races are sold out, but it's been obvious to me that they aren't. These high gas prices are going to break a lot of people - especially those who rely heavily on fuel for their jobs. e.g. farmers, truck companies and race teams.

I know for the second year in a row now, I won't be attending any races in person. That's sad for someone that is so devoted to the sport. I guess I'll just have to watch the Mobil car of Ryan Newman go around the track. After all, it's the oil companies who are raking in massive profits that we have to thank for all this mess. They could lower the gas prices if they wanted to.

Kimmie:  It already has and in a big way.  Fewer people are going to races even though they have already purchased the tickets.  The company that transports some teams to races has cancelled all their east coast flights.  Rising jet fuel prices forced their prices up and this caused teams to find alternate transport for some team members.  The flights became unprofitable and had to go.  I have even been hearing that some drivers and crew chiefs have chosen to go without their motorhomes.  To me, that is the biggest sign of them all.