There have been many discussions, over the years, about the ever increasing cost of fielding a race car. None, however, have ever spelled it out. I just received the current issue of 'Speedway Illustrated' magazine in the mail, and it contains an interesting article involving what it costs to purchase a complete, brand new oval track car. In a single work, it's shocking, considering their discussion involves "short track cars", the cars that we see on our local tracks.
I didn't have time to read the entire article in depth, rather I just skimmed it. I'll get back to it either later today, or tomorrow. However, the article laid out a chart that approximated what it would take to purchase a brand new race car, from 4 different divisions, assuming that you A) wanted to start racing, and had some money to fund it; B) you were starting with nothing to "carry over"; and finally, C) you were purchasing "name brand" equipment.
Bottom line, the totals ran from the high $90,000 to the low $100,000 range. Think about that.... a competitive race car, one that we see on our local asphalt and dirt, half-mile ovals, on a Friday or Saturday night, has become THAT expensive. And some who are involved with this sport, wonder why they can draw only 16-18 cars out to the track.....