I think Kirk has this right when he says a strong core supplemented by attracting locals at the tour stops is what makes a national series work. That is certainly how WOO works with local and regional guys coming in and out of tour as it moves along. I personally get excited to see a local driver who shows up and hangs with the big guys with everything stacked against them for the most part

I also would like to see these three USAC classes thrive with the touring pros being able to make a living at it. I think non wing cars are a lot more fun to watch and running on dirt and pavement makes it even better. Not sure how WOO did it but it has created a more sustainable business model than USAC with less exciting racing. All of this took place well before current USAC management got in.

I think you saw the core at Salem 11 or 12 cars per division. In 2007 it was probably 20 core teams with another 20 -30 local track regulars moving up for several races. In those days Salem would have 25 cars and sprint weeks 65. There are about 20 cars missing in action on average this year.

Someone mentioned Stewart and Khane cutting back next year . If these wealthy , powerful well connected guys can't make it work that tells you something about all of motorsports right now. Even Kyle Busch had to cut down on his beloved Late Model team.

USAC has a tough row to hoe but it ultimately is still one of the most exciting series there is. I think the ingredients are there to create a great racing product . They need to make some right moves during the downturn and prepare it for growth when the economic conditions improve... Live to play another day. That is what a lot of us have had to do this year in business.

That means cancelling some races for the balance of the year and having less races next year . I guarantee car counts would go up as would attendance per show and costs would go down. Everyone would be better off.