The recent economic downturn has found its way into NASCAR with race teams cutting back on their operations and sponsorship dollars becoming scarce.  Many critics questioned the future of the sport since NASCAR counts on lucrative sponsorship deals to fund race operations and research for many of its teams.  Foremost on everyone’s mind was the recent financial troubles of the so called big three automotive manufacturers.

“Everyone was watching with great interest as Ford, General Motors and Chrysler appealed to the federal government for assistance,” said Mike Helton’s mustache.  “Obviously a strong automotive industry here in the United States benefits NASCAR.  If those companies were to fail, I’m not sure what we would have done to maintain a high level of competition.  Everybody was cutting back and you don’t have to be a genius to figure out that racing would be one of the first places to cut.  Good thing I ain’t no genius.”

On the back of the recent bailout of the automotive manufacturers, many experts wondered what the effect would be on NASCAR.  Amid discussions of cutting back research into racing components and operations, the automotive manufacturers stumbled upon another option that would allow them to participate at their current levels or even increase their presence as race teams seek cost saving measures. 

“A lot of folks are pinching pennies nowadays,” said General Motors Director of Racing Operations Duffy McTavish.  “NASCAR owners are no different.  We’ve heard from a lot of race teams that are inquiring about the use of cheaper models of cars that they can use out on the track.  We have a long standing relationship with NASCAR that we are proud of.  When teams come to me with a problem I ask them one question and one question only; how can I help?”

The answer seems to have come in the same form the auto manufacturers used when addressing the problem of decreased sales and the public’s appetite for cars with better gas mileage and lower maintenance costs, smaller, more economically friendly models like the Chevy Aveo, Ford Focus, and Toyota Yaris.

“Consumers and NASCAR race teams are tightening their boot straps with the economy the way it is,” said Buford Cottlebaum, Ford Vice President for Race Research.  “These low cost models allow teams to participate in the sport’s highest level but not spending a fortune.”

The impact of more economically friendly race cars has been seen as a positive sign that NASCAR is moving in the right direction toward helping smaller race teams compete. 

“I used to stand outside the Roush Racing headquarters back by the dumpster,” said Nester Quinn, Deputy Assistant Crew Chief Coordinator for Hall of Fame Racing.  “I was just hoping they would throw away something I could use.  Maybe an old engine or a racing chassis that got dinged up real good.  One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  One time I got a whole mess of defective lug nuts.  Sure we had a tire or two fall off during a race but I can proudly say it was worth it to save a few bucks.  No one got hurt and we went on to race another day.  Either way, with some lower cost options on the market I won’t have to dig through the trash anymore.”

The program has been so successful that Ford is considering offering race teams another model by reviving the discontinued Ford Festiva.

“The Festiva has a long storied history that people crave.  It’s that feeling of nostalgia that holds the most appeal.  That and that feeling you get from losing blood flow to your legs from being so cramped in the driver’s seat,” said Cottlebaum.  “This all makes great financial sense to a company like Ford.  They always say win on Sunday, sell on Monday.  I’m not saying we should expect to see a Festiva in Victory Lane every week but Monday never has been a big sales day for us anyway.  I like to say race on Sunday, maybe sell on Thursday or Friday.  Saturday if we have a big sale.”

The introduction of low cost models into NASCAR has led other auto manufacturers to consider a foray into NASCAR as early as the 2010 season.  Ned Blanchard, NASCAR Manufacturer Liaison, recently confirmed reports that NASCAR is in negotiations with KIA, Volkswagen and Honda to work out a deal for their participation.