All the more I needed to know about how bad things are economically....when the Packers decided to scale back plans to renovate and expand the atrium and certain areas of the stadium. 

They say that sports is recession proof, and the NFL is probably the best positioned to weather the storm.  But even that is getting tested during these tough times.

Just look at the cash cow that used to be NASCAR.  That cow is starting to run dry...first with the announcement that Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi will join forces to stabilize both organizations during the tough times.

Then did you check out the recent race at Charlotte?  That's the heart of NASCAR country...and the grandstands on the back stretch were only about half full.

And how about ABC's brilliant decision to bump the final laps of last week's race to ESPN2 so it could air an episode of  "America's Funniest Home Videos?"  Shows you where the "racing report" ranks on that network...pretty much between barking dogs and babies throwing up on themselves.

And the idea of NASCAR without Chevys and Fords seems unthinkable, but it's not as farfetched as what you think, with the economic meltdown in Detroit.  It seems like GM and Ford are staying....Chrysler, should be ok for another year.  NASCAR boss Brian France is trying to put on a brave face, saying the sport can survive without one or more manufacturer....but that's almost hogwash.  Fans love cheering for their favorite brand nearly as much as their favorite driver.

And it seems pretty curious that France softened that earlier statement days later by saying NASCAR will agressively make sure the companies remain a part of the sport.

It's even felt on the local level, with the cash poor Milwaukee Mile and State Fair Park still at odds over the license fee and essentially the future of NASCAR racing in Milwaukee.

It's not good out there.  And for the sake of sport, you hope it turns around soon.  Otherwise fans will have more tough choices with their entertainment dollars to come...

Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com