Jake, I think you may be right on the other events. Also, the Miami to Key Largo and the Hogsbreath are on the two weekends immediately prior to the Tybee 500 may also be hurting it, and the Mug Race is on the same weekend as the start this year. The purists will say these are not the same level of races, but they have to have some effect on drawing away the average or not as well organized teams.
We are still registered, and still optimistic that this will be a great event this year. Chuck indeed runs a great race.