NASCAR--and Fans--Affected by Gas Prices

Many of the die-hard NASCAR racing fans find RVing to view their favorite sport is just the way to do it. But high gas prices have been chiseling into racing event attendance figures.

Jim Hunter, longtime NASCAR vice-president says, "Some of our hard-core old-line fans used to go to 6-8 races a year, but back then hotels didn't charge seven-day minimums, track prices were half of what they are now, and gas was a lot cheaper. Now I hear those same people say, 'I'll just go to my favorite few races, and I'll watch the rest on television.' "

But not just the spectators are feeling the fuel price pinch, so are the racers. While at Daytona race teams get free fuel to run their racers in a fuel-company sponsorship deal, they still have to drag their racers and gear from track to track. That amount can certainly add up.

But some RVers at Dayton say fuel prices aren't the concern their looking at: It's the new pet policy. Referring to a "no pets" rule going into place on the speedway's 'second turn' camping area, "The price of gas won't keep us from coming to the races, but we're not coming back next year if we can't bring our dog," says George, Kamansky who is here for the 15th consecutive year. "That's serious. Sure, everyone talks about the price of fuel, but that's not what will keep us away."

Kamansky should know. His dog has his own chrome plated Dale Earnhardt, Jr. doggy dish. Don't diss the fans, Daytona.

For more information, check out the Orlando Sentinel.

Photo pocketwiley on flickr.com

Superstar race car driver gets a new RV

Superstar NASCAR race car driver Jeff Gordon has a new set of wheels, a luxury motorhome from Marathon Coach in Coburg. The $2 million dollar RV was custom designed for Gordon and his family and is now headed for Florida, where the family's driver will learn the ins and outs of the rig. Race fans can expect to see Gordon’s new RV on the infield of races starting next season.