[Cdncarnut]

You do not need to spend $50K on an F/SA.
I paid a little extra up front, because of the body style that I wanted and I was looking for a car that did not need body or paint, was solid and reasonably clean.
It is not the fastest F/SA, but I run with a local S/SS group and I just need to be under the IHRA index.
Last year was my first year in the car, so I spent a few dollars on a few upgrades and the usual on maintenance items.
This year I needed to have the transmission gone through and a gear change.
By the time I make my first pass, this year, I will have somewhere just north of $35K in the car, and that is Canadian dollars.

I looked for a car for 4 years while I bracket raced.
If I can give you one piece of advice, buy a car that you like, is under the index and is legal.
Making improvements and making the car "yours", is half the fun.