The recent decline of the US auto industry is adversely affecting more than just the large automobile manufacturers. Race teams that rely on both direct and indirect support from the auto industry are finding it difficult to secure and retain sponsor support. These difficulties have filtered to existing road racing series with numbers declining anywhere from 25% to over 50% from the same period a year ago. Given the realities of the current economic environment, USERA decided today to suspend the 2009 season for the American Touring Car Championship. We will focus on devloping the searies for a 2010 launch.