By Heather Provencher
Content Coordinator - TriCities.com
Published: March 22, 2009

A bad economy, layoffs, bank bailouts - nothing can stop the greatest fans in the world from coming to the world’s fastest half-mile.

Things were a little iffy, however, up to the last minute when Jeff Byrd announced that Sunday’s Food City 500 was sold-out.

Fans came in from everywhere today, as evidenced by a special opening ceremony. During that ceremony, fans from every U.S. state as well as several foreign countries, including Australia, Puerto Rico and Japan, gathered at the finish line showing their country’s and state’s flag with pride.

Even though the campgrounds were empty compared to years past, the fans came and the race will always go on.