I understand that travel expenses are high, they were last year as well and everyone still raced. I personally do not believe the tires are the issue at all, I live 4 hours from the tire barn and I have traveled out there the last 2 years prior to the start of the season to get the first round, then I get more as I go throughout the season, bring them back and mount them at the shop. I have had very little trouble with the tires. I have my personal feelings why the car count is down, however I will save them because it does not matter what I think because I am one of the guys showing up to race, lets hear from the guys who raced last year, and are not now. Let's hear it.