B Chillik. I agree with you that it's about the friends and just being able to race, but that can be found racing in your local area and at the weekend bracket race.
After this I'm sure many may have already changed their schedules for 2009. The SS/BA Superstocker will probably see more time bracket racing this year than anything. As of now I'm not driving 4 to 12 hours to NHRA/IHRA races that cost 8-10 times more for the entry fee and pay nothing more than the weekend bracket race. If you want trophies then stop by the house and I'll give you some for free, but those are from my days of playing TEE ball and Little League
The trophy is nice also, but I at least want the chance to make the LONG trip worth my while monetarily.