Signs of Recession Disappear From NASCAR

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by Kirk Hawkins
Bio | Email | Follow: @kirkhawkins

Story Created: May 13, 2012 at 12:09 AM EDT

Story Updated: May 13, 2012 at 12:38 AM EDT

CONCORD, N.C.--Nascar fans in the Charlotte area are ready to start their engines.
Thursday, the green flag drops on race week for the Pit Crew Challenge.
NASCAR is emerging from the recession and some fans are already getting in gear.

Long time NASCAR fan Fred Asher set up his campside at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord on Saturday. Asher said the recession kept other campers home over the past few years.
He said they're coming back because of the economy. "I think its improving slow very slow but I think its getting better," said Asher.

The Charlotte Motor Speedway said the next two weeks of racing generate more than $225-million for the Charlotte region but even better news for the NASCAR industry is the return of corporate sponsors. "A lot of companies now are seeing the turn in the economy and getting better so therefore they  are coming back in greater ways to market to these race fans," said Charlotte Motor Speedway's Scott Cooper. Cooper said most of their growth has been in corporate sponsorship and V.I.P. sales.

Mansfield, Ohio residents Jim and Sallie Hooker have been camping out for this month's races since last October. "It's just a fascinating study in people. If you've never been to a race you just have to go," said Sallie Hooker. Jim Hooker said, "I do very much enjoy watching certain drivers perform well but mostly I enjoy watching a driver put on a good performance."

Back at Fred Asher's campsite, the work is done. "And the day's complete," said Asher.
As the countdown for the races to begin is underway.

Click here for more information about this month's races: http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/schedule/

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