Smack: Harvick, Smoke, Martin all shine before 500 (cont'd)

3. When last we checked, Daytona wasn't having the easiest time selling tickets. What is NASCAR in for this season in terms of recession-induced empty seats?

Joe Menzer: I think NASCAR, like everyone, is facing a difficult year. The thing we all need to do is keep it in perspective. They'll still draw great crowds in a relative sense, even if they are down.

Dave Rodman: Let's see what happens before we pass too much judgment. Though, without speculating about real numbers, I think it's no secret attendance is going to be down across the board.

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David Caraviello: At least early in the season, I don't think it's going to be quite as awful as people perceive. The schedule is frontloaded with several popular or smaller-capacity racetracks that might mitigate the fact that fans have less disposable income. Daytona is still going to draw a huge crowd. Las Vegas could sell out. Bristol will be full. Phoenix and Richmond are immensely popular. Darlington isn't overbuilt. Tracks like that have a chance. It's the mega tri-ovals, the places like Atlanta and California and Texas that I worry about.

Joe Menzer: One thing I do like is that many of the tracks are trying to get creative again -- more so than in most recent years. I really like the Celebrity/Legends race that was added to the Bristol festivities, for instance.

Dave Rodman: There are all kinds of things that affect this, like outrageous advance purchase deadlines; collateral costs, like lodging and fuel; and travel. I think a more critical indicator is going to be TV ratings. If people are neither coming nor watching, that's trouble.

Joe Menzer: For the first time in a very long time, as of just a couple weeks ago, Bristol was still selling tickets. That's a sign of the sad times, boys.

Dave Rodman: It certainly is. I wouldn't grant anyone a sellout these days. When Richmond's consecutive sellout string ended -- and I'm not sure, did New Hampshire's as well? -- that's bad.

Joe Menzer: Take a look at Texas, though. Eddie Gossage has some decent tickets on the renovated backstretch that he's selling for $20. And parking is still free. That's a steal of a deal, I think.

David Caraviello: I will say this recession has forced the implementation of some lower ticket prices that were sorely needed. Anyone could see things trending this way, with NASCAR facing empty seats even before the recession hit. It's like the sport needed some sort of economic correction, and this is it. It's reminding tracks of who their core fans are, and what they're able to pay.

Menzer's book

Don't let Joe's modesty fool you, "The Great American Gamble" is a great read and available in the Superstore.

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Joe Menzer: Here's something to remember, too: NASCAR isn't the only sport these days having trouble selling tickets. All of 'em are. It's the economy, and the sports that are proactive and creative in dealing with it will come out ahead.

Dave Rodman: But the good thing, if the Shootout is any indication, the racing was pretty darned raucous. Cars were passing each other, we had a last-lap pass for the win and I swear, if that wreck didn't break out behind them, McMurray might have had a chance to out-run Harvick to the finish line, and racing like that will get some attention.

David Caraviello: Yes, but Dave, will the racing be like that at California and Las Vegas, when the real season begins?

Dave Rodman: We will have to wait and see, David. And I don't know that it'll be an instant fix even if it is. Businesses, I think, have to do some real in-depth analysis of how little they can charge to still make money. I'm not talking about pirate money -- I'm talking about reasonable profit. Cut your prices to that level and work with the clientele.

Joe Menzer: If the track owners can work together with NASCAR, they could come out ahead of some other sports in the long run. It's really up to them, but I like much of what I'm seeing so far. Now let's see if the fans respond.

Dave Rodman: Definitely so, Joe. People might eat hot dogs, but they're going to be entertained, by God. And it's contingent on these multi-billion and multi-million dollar companies to cut them some slack. Better to have butts in the seats buying hot dogs and beer than sitting elsewhere. So cut those prices, boys.

Joe Menzer: As for the racing itself, I've said it before and I'll say it again: not every race can have a fantastic finish, just like not every football or baseball or basketball game can have one. But it's plenty good enough, in my opinion.

David Caraviello: And it's worth noting that, even with many empty seats, tracks are still capable of drawing crowds that would dwarf those for an NFL game. What racing needed is more variation in ticket prices. They've been slanted too high, in my opinion, with a few cheap-seat bones thrown in. This recession is changing that, and evening ticket prices out somewhat. That's a good thing.

Joe Menzer: Here's yet another thing I've always loved about NASCAR (geez, it seems like I'm drinking deeply from the well water at Daytona Beach today), but this one comes from the heart: What other sport allows you to bring in your own cooler of beer -- and food!

David Caraviello: I just hope nobody has to slash prices on The Great American Gamble, now available at a bookstore near you!

Dave Rodman: Wow, shameless plug Joe. I hope you're bringing my copy to Daytona.

Joe Menzer: Oh, I'm sure it'll end up on a bargain table at some point. They all do. But not just yet! (And don't forget, folks, it's also available at the NASCAR.com Superstore!) And, yes, Roadman, your copy is on the way.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writers.