Two short years ago, just after the start of the 2008 season, many of the NASCAR pundits began forecasting the end of the sport.

"Boring." "Fuel-mileage." "No rivalries." "No excitement." "Drivers lack personalities." These are just a few of the phrases I read and heard.

The rumbles continued throughout 2009 -- compounded by the economic challenges -- and grew louder as NASCAR traveled from town to town.

"Empty seats." "Sponsors leaving." "Boring races." "No competition."

“

We are not witnessing the end of NASCAR that so many people feared; rather we're seeing the start of a resurgence of everything great about our sport.

”

-- ROGER CURTIS

I'm here to tell you the sport and viability of one of the most exciting traditions in the world is alive and well. There is a renewed enthusiasm throughout the industry, and we are working closer than ever to ensure our sport thrives -- and the biggest beneficiary is also the sport's greatest asset: the fan. Race tracks like Michigan International Speedway are directing their efforts into making the fan experience better. We're listening to fan feedback and taking the necessary steps to make sure we keep our promise of delivering lasting memories for every person, every time.

Despite a shrinking economy and smaller corporate budgets, we invested $55 million to improve the fan experience. Affordable tickets, wider seats, more affordable food options, better traffic flow and more entertainment options are just a few of the initiatives put in place. We also implemented a Fan Appreciation program to randomly reward our loyal guests throughout the weekend with upgrades, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and VIP access to get up close to the sport they love.

We also want families to return to the race track and re-establish those timeless traditions many of us treasure so fondly. So, admission for kids 12 and under is now free at MIS, and teens have a specially priced ticket.

NASCAR is also listening to the fans. They worked with our media partners to return to earlier start times across nearly all race tracks, making it easier for fans to attend live races and find them on TV. They also initiated the double-file restart, relaxed bump-drafting rules, are working to bring back the spoiler and are encouraging drivers to showcase their personalities. I can't wait to see the rivalries unfold on and off the track.

Lastly, our athletes are clearly trying to find more time for fans. Dale Earnhardt Jr. participated in a media event in Detroit last summer with about 800 race fans, signing autographs, answering questions, and telling stories. It's no surprise he was voted NASCAR's Most Popular Driver again in 2009 because he continues to do what he does best: relate to his fans.

Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne, Casey Mears, Robby Gordon and A.J. Allmendinger are renowned for their unwavering willingness to go above and beyond for our fans and our partners. They clearly get it.

We've also seen rising stars Brad Keselowski, Colin Braun and Brad Coleman follow that trend, giving us hope that a little bit of Davey Allison, a driver known to stick around for that final autograph after winning a race, lives within the future of the sport.

Is it perfect? No; far from it. All of us in this sport have a lot of work to do. I'd still like to see NASCAR work to further reduce costs to the teams, allowing for more and new major sponsors, as well as foster new ownership and better competition.

I'd also like to see more of the sport's other superstars, including team owners and crew members, continue to connect with the fans all season long.

Lastly, I'd like to see the race tracks continue to innovate and invest in the fan experience to provide unique, thrilling and unforgettable race day experiences for all guests and partners.

We are all in this together -- tracks, teams, NASCAR, media partners and sponsors. With the start of the 2010 season upon us, we have a chance to find some really cool ways to recognize and reward the most loyal fans in all of sports. As a track president, I can't wait for June and August when racing at MIS gets under way.

But as a race fan, I can't wait for the start of the Daytona 500.

We are not witnessing the end of NASCAR that so many people feared; rather we're seeing the start of a resurgence of everything great about our sport. A few years from now we will look back and view this as the period that we remembered why we are all here -- for the fans.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.