Remembering the Kaiser Manhattan
Mailbox is full. Here we go.

NASCAR feels economic pinch
Q: Greg, I’ve noticed more and more empty seats at NASCAR races that I watch on TV. I know the economy is hurting right now, and gas prices are high, but do you feel maybe NASCAR has hit its peak, spectator wise? E.L., Pennsylvania.

Ambrose rising in NASCAR
Q: Greg, I really enjoyed the weekend as one of my favorite NASCAR drivers, Marcos Ambrose, won at Watkins Glen on Saturday in the Nationwide race and then drove the Wood Brothers Ford to an excellent third place finish Sunday in the Sprint Cup race. It couldn’t happen to a nicer fellow. K.L., Michigan.

World War II sportscar
Q: Greg, I’m trying to verify a memory from long years back around the WWII era. I remember an Italian sport car called the Cisitalia that only had a four-banger engine but was quite fast. I have been unable to find it or any mention of it. Back then, it went to most of the auto shows in New York City when admission was free. Perhaps you have more research areas than I have. Thanks. Henry G. Spenceley.

Do you have a favorite?
Q: Hi Greg. I really enjoy your column on racing. I am 13 years old and a big NASCAR fan. My favorite driver is Jimmy Johnson and wonder if you have a favorite team or driver? Thanks, Billy M. from Texas.

NBC’s Cramer mixes racing, stock speculation
There’s been much off-track activity lately in the world of motorsports, everything from Tony Stewart’s announcement that he is going into the car-owner business to Jim Cramer’s prime time Sunday evening special called “The American Dream with Jim Cramer.”