The races are over and the fans are on their way home, but the impact of this weekend's NASCAR races are still being felt here in Michigan.

At Michigan International Speedway this weekend it was apparent just how big NASCAR is for Michigan's economy.

"We become the 3rd largest city in the state behind Grand Rapids and Detroit," Dennis Worden said of Brooklyn, MI, home of the Michigan International Speedway.

"We were going to come anyway regardless of gas prices," NASCAR fan, Ryan Balicki said.

Fans say with the cost of gas as well as tickets and finding a place to stay, the weekend can get a little pricey.

"With tickets and camping, it's probably a $1500 weekend," Ed Meyer said.

At M.I.S "Gentlemen start your engines..." translates into "NASCAR fans start up the economy..." because for every mile in the 400 mile race, one million dollars was pumped into the Michigan economy.

But fans say the benefits of watching the race firsthand, far outweighs the costs.