Reasons for the increase are many.
Television ratings are up, and there's a lucrative new network deal kicking in next season.
The economy, in general, is better. And, of course, the sport has gotten red-hot since 1994, and sponsors recognize that. Robert Yates isn't sure, but the owner of the cars driven by Dale Jarrett, the defending Winston Cup and Brickyard champion, and '97 Brickyard winner Ricky Rudd doesn't believe matters are yet out of hand. Contrary to the opinion of some writers, we don't have a boring sport. We do have good racing.