a worthwhile diversion from the training and racing that will be the work for the drivers and the team next week.

Detroit's automakers cast a cloud over NASCARDodge Motorsports executive Mike Delahanty says he won't let the financial maelstrom that has struck the auto industry drag down his racing agenda.

Delahanty said he is looking for a strong Dodge finish to the NASCAR season at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend and looking forward to Daytona in February, where the Dodges will have new, more aerodynamic noses for the first Sprint Cup points race of 2009, the Daytona 500.

The 54-year-old Novi resident isn't burying his head in the sand, however, as news of the country's economy seems to worsen each day.

Delahanty knows Chrysler and his Detroit racing rivals, General Motors and Ford,are in grave danger unless they receive significant financial aid from Washington, and the sooner the better. Without it, Delahanty realizes millions of jobs across America could be lost, and the face of NASCAR could change.

Delahanty, senior manager of motorsports programs, was one of several racing insiders who spoke to the Free Press this week about the challenges facing NASCAR as the Big Three automakers bleed cash.

Les Unger, Toyota Motorsports national marketing manager, weighed in on the economic calamity and its racing fallout following Toyota Motor Corp.'s announcement of major third-quarter losses. Northville's Jack Roush, team owner of Ford's premier Cup outfit, Roush Fenway Racing, agreed it was crunch time for NASCAR and time for its race teams to take action.

"We've been beaten to the ground, kicked and