The sound of race cars rev up Tuesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but businesses and the town's officials are worried that attendees will spend less money this year.

Businesses are prepared for a bumpy ride in the weeks leading up to the Indianapolis 500, 6News' Rick Hightower reported.

Vendors and nearby businesses who make much of their living on whatever happens in May are a bit nervous but optimistic that they will do fine this year.

"As soon as they open across the street, we get all excited about it," said Jim Luebbert, of Speedway Monogramming. "We're going to order our stuff and get more stuff in and, hopefully, the fans will be here."

Luebbert said he thinks people will turn out for pre-race and race festivities, but admitted the picture doesn't look very good going in.

"I believe it's going to be good this year. The economy really is weak. Our sales are off quite a bit just in our normal embroidery business and our race souvenir business," he said.

Speedway depends on revenue from events surrounding the race to survive.

"It's the month of May that just sort of sets the tone," said Barbara Lawrence, Speedway town manager. "We have been waiting to hear the sound of cars. We wouldn't expect to see a lot of permits issued until … a week before the race."

For restaurants, such as the Mug n Bun, the return of race fans is as sweet as the sound of cars circling the track. In a tough economy, owner Jay Watson is convinced people will seek out comfort food.

"I've had people call me from St. Louis saying they're on their way into the track for qualification weekend," said Jay Watson, owner of the Mug n Bun restaurant. "They're getting ready to come in and get some tenderloin, some onion rings and some root beer."

Gates at the Speedway open at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Anyone can get in for free for Indy Lights practice and rookie orientation.

Speedway officials said vendor permits are running about the same as last year.