While NASCAR's best collect millions at this weekend's banquet, the economy is keeping up-and-comers off the track.

Aflac loves Carl Edwards and is paying big money to pair him with its iconic duck in commercials and on the hood of his car, but the company would like to not see its driver scuffling with other drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage area.

Some fans complain about the year-end awards banquet being in New York City, but Darrell Waltrip says it's good for the sport.

NEW YORK — Though NASCAR has toyed with the idea of coming to the Meadowlands Sports Complex for many years, chief executive officer Brian France downplayed that possibility on Tuesday.

There's a lot to be thankful for in this week's mailbag, including remembering so NASCAR personalities who are no longer with us.

Chad McCumbee is under contract to drive for Petty Enterprises in 2009, though the number of Sprint Cup races he and the second Petty team will run as a teammate to Bobby Labonte will depend on sponsorship, the team has confirmed.

Texas Motor Speedway will reduce its seating capacity by 15 percent to make room for a new luxury area for motorcoaches, it was announced Monday.

Rodney Childers has been named crew chief for David Reutimann and the No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing team for 2009.

Jimmie Johnson will have plenty to celebrate during Friday's awards banquet. The rest of the field? Meh, Jeff Owens says.