Drag racing will survive but I believe there will be substantial changes down the line and sooner than later. I've been hearing all the economic doom and gloom for two years now and the screams are not getting any quieter. To those who believe it will get much worse before it gets better, you're are dead right! Economically speaking, we could be headed into a depression rather than a recession. The big three alone could get us there if something isn't done really quickly. If they fall, there will be shock-waves sent throughout the world's economy like nothing ever felt before. If they receive any bailout from the US Government without a complete restructuring, it will be like giving lottery winnings to drug addicts as they will still fail without completely revamping their business model and pay scales and the nation's economy will be right behind it due to their size and impact. It's going to be a very bumpy ride ahead indeed.
Now, for the good news:
This is the USA and the spirit lives on. Such hard times make better people and far more stable investors. Ask anyone who lived through the great depression. They seemed cheap, saving like crazy and using things completely up before considering replacement. They purchased absolutely nothing they couldn't pay cash for and their stability was unquestionable. Our society could use some of this thinking today more than ever given yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's headlines and lead stories. Good old fashioned common sense might prevail once again above today's total-credit society. There will always be those who rise above the norm due to their willingness to venture into unfamiliar territory of business ownership and all businesses must market their products. Desperate times call for desperate measures and unique marketing opportunities are spawned from these very situations. There is also an undying passion for performance and speed which will all but insure drag racing will live on. It may just be a little bit different than the direction we've headed for the past three decades of prosperity.
Just my $ .02