Budweiser Shootout

victory in the Budweiser Shootout through Denny Hamlin's win in the season finale at Homestead, the 2009 season belonged to Jimmie Johnson. Now a four-time Cup Series champion, Johnson wrapped up his fourth consecutive title with another 10-race Chase run into the record books.

However, there were many other storylines that made headlines this year -- the economy and its effect on a sponsor-driven sport, Jeremy Mayfield's suspension following a failed drug test and the subsequent legal filings, Danica Patrick's seemingly never ending "talks" with team owners, not to mention the Hall of Fame as well as the on-track competition.

NAS-CAR.COM's staff writers weigh in with their top stories of the year: Sponsorship was priceless in '09. Sponsorship was priceless in '09.

MARK AUMANN The economic slowdown affected every facet of the sport in 2009, and may continue to do so in the near future.

Two of the sport's manufacturers -- Chevrolet and Chrysler -- faced bankruptcy and throttled back their monetary and engineering assistance. Major corporations cut back or eliminated their sponsorships altogether. Several teams merged or shuttered their operations, and in the process, laid off hundreds of employees. Others went the "start and park" route in an effort to limit expenses and maximize revenues.

The drop in attendance, close to 10 percent from 2008 estimates, was partially blamed on the recession, as fans had more difficult choices to make with their increasingly limited disposable income. Many members of the media found themselves facing the same situation as declining advertising revenue required downsizing. And even though the forecast is rosier for the foreseeable future, there's no guarantee NASCAR will return to its halcyon days any time soon.

Sinise looking forward to local benefit concert - Martinsville Bulletin

Sinise looking forward to local benefit concert Martinsville Bulletin Sinise, who played Lt. Dan in the movie “Forrest Gump,” will be in Martinsville on May 24 to perform a benefit concert with his Lt. Dan Band. The concert will kick off the fourth annual Rooster Walk Music and Arts Festival at Blue Mountain Festival ...

• Area briefs — May 14, 2012 - Reporter-Times

• Area briefs — May 14, 2012 Reporter-Times There will be a soup and chili cook-off from 5 to 7 pm Sunday at the Painted Hills Clubhouse, 4364 E. Rembrandt, Martinsville. First prize will receive $100. There will also be a raffle, with the winner receiving $250. Those tickets will be six for $5. and more »

State tournament berths at stake - Parkersburg News

State tournament berths at stake Parkersburg News The Rebels (25-5) of veteran head coach Dave Mossor will travel for a 5:30 pm scheduled first pitch to New Martinsville to take on host Magnolia (29-3). "I really don't know. I really don't know how good they are," admitted Mossor, whose team is led by ...

Fieldale festival to offer old, new - Martinsville Bulletin

Fieldale festival to offer old, new Martinsville Bulletin A Kids Zone in the ballfield behind the Fieldale Community Center will include an animal petting zoo and riding area by Infinity Acres, Ed Church's horseless carriage, and a climbing wall sponsored by Memorial Hospital in Martinsville and Activate ...

• Out and About — May 16 - Reporter-Times

• Out and About — May 16 Reporter-Times Due to the car race in downtown Martinsville this weekend, Sunday's performance of “You Can't Take It With You” has been cancelled. If residents have already reserved tickets for Sunday, they can call and reschedule for Friday or Saturday night.