[vincesanity82]

After a two-year dip, NASCAR's TV ratings are up 5%, but attendance has been flat or down at several tracks this year. NASCAR Chairman Brian France says there are no concerns of losing fans and argues a resurgent IRL benefits NASCAR because they share speedways, sponsors and TV networks. "I'll take the benefits if they develop into an impactful series, and any negatives, too," France says. Open-wheel's popularity still trails stock-car racing, which claims a fan base of 75 million to the IRL's claimed 36 million. The Indy 500 will draw a typical 250,000 Sunday. But most of the crowds for the IRL's 18 other races are dwarfed by NASCAR, which averages at least 100,000 for the bulk of its 36 races. -- USA Today