Leaders from The Big Three automakers asked Congress on Thursday for a $34 billion rescue package they say they need to survive, and United Auto Worker union President Ron Gettelfinger warned that in the absence of action by Congress, General Motors could fold by the end of the month.

Chrysler, Ford and GM -- along with Japanese automaker Toyota -- heavily support race teams throughout NASCAR, and many team owners are worried about the ripple effects of a manufacturer pullback or pullout.

Kevin Harvick, who drives a Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing and fields the make out of his own Kevin Harvick Inc., noted the entire industry is doing everything it can to show its support for the automakers.

"You don't see any other athletes in any sport caring about their futures the way this sport does," Harvick said.

Team owner Rick Hendrick, who just helped GM win its 32nd NASCAR manufacturer's championship, said he doesn't expect any manufacturers to end their involvement in the sport as long as they are in business.

"I think they'll always, as long as there's Chevrolet and GM, they'll be in the sport in some fashion," he said. "It works too well for them. It's part of their DNA. If it's a slowdown, we just have to adjust. When things pick up, they'll be back. It's too much of the fabric of Chevrolet and Ford."