Some scary figures! But it's possible to do this on a lot less money.
Here's a stock prep sample for 15 months:
- Cusco 20mm FSB -- $300
- Camber bolts -- $12
- Alignment X2 -- $175
- Exhaust cutoff/turndown -- $75
Total: $562
Consumables:
- Entry fees (Nats, 2 NTs, 2 Super Regionals, 30 locals) -- ~$1,500
- Dunlop ZIs -- $200 (sold the factory tires for $450)
- 2 sets Dunlop Z2s, plus mounting -- $1,500
- Oil changes, brake and diff fluid swaps: $500
Total: $3,700
Tire consumption numbers really don't reflect the 25K street miles, dozens of fun runs, and 100+ runs by co-drivers. If I switched out tires for the street and used the Dunlops only for my runs, I'd still be on the first set.
At a certain point, you'll travel for better competition and venues. I've spent as much on gas, hotels, food, etc. as on everything else.