Earlier last week NASCAR Chairman Brian France sent a letter to nine members of the U.S. Congress in order to seek support for the Big Three auto companies.

To prevent bankruptcy, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors have pleaded for a bailout from Congress.

Obtained by the Associated Press, the letter was dispatched to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Chris Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, and Sen. Richard Shelby, the senior Republican on the Banking Committee.

“I’m writing you as a concerned American who wants what is best for our general country,” France stated in the letter. “Of course, the domestic automobile manufacturers play a very important part of the heritage of NASCAR, but more importantly, it is vital for all of America.

“The U.S. auto industry has long been the backbone of our nation’s manufacturing sector." France conitnued, "This industry isn’t confined to ‘Detroit’ or even the Midwest."

France went on to say that if the auto industry were to go under it would begin a domino effect that would result in the loss of 5.5 million jobs and a $150 million drop of the personal income in the U.S.

“It’s everywhere in America," France wrote in the letter. "And its current troubles are putting our country’s overall economic health at stake. The collapse of the U.S.-based auto industry – a grim possibility amid the current economic and credit crises – would have an impact far beyond nearly 355,000 Americans directly employed by the Big Three. The livelihood of one in 10 people in America is related to the U.S. auto industry.”

“For these manufacturers to survive, your assistance is urgently needed,” France wrote. “By immediately supporting America’s automobile industry, you can help our nation avoid a devastating economic blow.

“We urge the Administration and Congress to support the bridge loan package under deliberation. As unattractive as the idea of corporate federal bailouts can be to many Americans, including me, there appears to be no alternative. Federal aid is in the best interest of the entire country.”