Out of the more than 60 hotels in the Gainesville area, only eight are already at full occupancy for the races.  And tourism experts say that number is usually much higher, and they say the economy is to blame.
     And that could have a negative impact on Gainesville if one of their largest events doesn't bring in as many people.                       
    "Tourism officials are hoping that people are just waiting until the last minute to decide to come," Marcheta Keefer, Tourism Marketing Manager, said.
     Perhaps what they're doing is waiting to book closer in or they're finding a way to make it less of a multi-day excursion and coming for a couple days, they're shortening their trip
     To encourage attendance.. the National Hotrod Association is offering discounted tickets.
     They're for advance purchase only... $20 for general admission... and are available on a first- come first- serve basis on qualifying and elimination days.