[Michael Beard]

I finally found entry fee/payout info for at least NHRA Div. 1 & 2 events...

Let's look at two events in the same region... Just had 38 Stockers at Atlanta, 42 at Darlington, so let's go off of 40 cars in Stock
NHRA Div. 2... $160/enter (Test n' Tune: $100. 3 Days to complete 1 race = extra time off work)

Winner $1,000
Runner-Up $500
Rd 5 loser $150 (-$10 Net)
Rd 4 loser $125 (-$35 Net)
Rd 3 loser $100 (-$60 Net)
35% payback of entry fees.

IHRA Div. 2... $135/enter (Test n' Tune: $25. Can run 2 races in 2 days.)
Winner $1,000
Runner-Up $400
Rd 5 loser $160 (+$25 Net)
Rd 4 loser $120 (-$15 Net)
Rd 3 loser $80 (-$55 Net)
40% payback of entry fees.

Looks like the only real differences are contingency, which only affects 2 racers, and the number of days involved. Contingency is a self-fulfilling prophecy/catch-22/chicken or the egg deal. Sponsors go where the racers are, racers go where the sponsors are.

So, sorry, "short payout" is not a valid argument.