[Julie Jordan]

Like any hobby, you can try to "keep up with the Joneses" or you can make your hobby fit within your means. As others have said before, you don't need huge toterhomes, RV's, stacker trailers. A simple pickup and open trailer will get you there just fine. Do an annual budget and determine how much you have to spend on your racing operation, then limit your racing and expenditures accordingly. You don't have to have the quickest car in your class or be in one of the faster classes. There are very successful racers who race in the lower classes of stock and SS eliminator and do just fine. You have to leave your ego at home and race within your financial parameters. There is nothing wrong with that.

For most of us, drag racing is a hobby. As such, spending on this activity should be a low priority item in your budget. I know too many racers who have no health insurance, no retirement plans, a lot of debt, but they have fancy racecars and tow rigs. I think that's part of the reason our Country is in such bad shape. We spend without consideration for the income and the future. Personally, that's not how I want my finances to be.

So, jump in. Do as Michael Beard says and take "baby steps". The people are great out here and I guarantee you that you can have fun and still race affordably.