Hello everyone,
Pete, last year I spent 172k for all expenses to go to five races. Bear in mind my crew guys are all volunteers. I did receive almost 52k from NHRA to help offset that outlay a little bit.
Mike, the majority of my guys can still drive to Brainard. I did have to pick up a couple of plane tickets. I was able to Airbnb a cabin that will be cheaper than a hotel room rental in Indy. I definitely have greater travel costs for the rig, but Brainard will be one less qualifying run that will help offset these additional expenses and I may sit out another lap in Brainerd depending on car turnout. I know no one is holding a gun to my head to run all the qualifying laps but I show up to qualify and try to win a round or two. Not to hang out and make one qualifying lap (no offense to those who do). At Indy, if I am the 17th qualifier, I get $7,500 at Brainerd first-round loser will pay 13k if you make all 4 qualifying runs 12k for 3 and 11k for 2. When you factor in one less run and potentially $5500 more dollars I lose less going to BIR. Indy first-round loser pays 14k if you make all qualifying runs so if that happens I am still probably ahead financially by going to BIR because of one less run that cost me around 8k to make.
