Jason Smith / Getty Images for NASCAR

Rick Hendrick, shown here with driver Jimmie Johnson, said his team will cut back on the number of cars it runs outside of Sprint Cup next year.

Likewise, GM and Ford remain confident they will stick with NASCAR for at least the immediate future.

"From a NASCAR standpoint, we're fully committed to fulfill the agreements we have in place,'' Dolan said. "We've built a program over the years that has paid some quality dividends back to General Motors, between winning races and winning championships and having a strong alliance with the fan base, it's a good platform for Chevrolet and a tool to sell vehicles.

"What has to happen, though, I think, whether it's us or any other key sponsor looking at the sport, is to determine if the current cost that it takes to participate is consistent with other opportunities in the marketplace? If not, we have to look at ways to become more cost efficient.''

Wolfe said Ford will also watch the bottom line closely.

"Certainly, the economic issues facing the entire auto industry have to be of concern to everyone involved in racing,'' he explained. "Ford's racing program falls under marketing and sales, and when revenues are down, the budgets for all marketing programs are down, including racing. We're not immune, nor should we be.''

So, despite all the gloom and doom, there will continue to be Chevys and Fords on track — for now.