[Chad Rhodes]

i think Lingenfelter had it right. its much easier to make a living off of drag racing, than to try to make a living racing. A unique product, or service or doing something that others either can't or don't want to do can go a long ways toward paying the bills (racing bills). You don't have to be a killer enginer builder or chassis guy, or world famous ( even thought that probably helps). Word travels fast in the stock/ss circles. When i was working at a speed shop i built up a pretty good customer base of class racers, and did alot of business at the track, had it been my own business it would have been very profitable.

On the racing side, if you make a million laps in a car, and you're a decent driver then breaking even on your expenses if you footbrake race it is possible, recovering the capital cost of the car might not be. As for sponsors, if you are looking for a "full ride" you better be one of the top hitters. However I think with a decent track record, and a good marketing plan then some sponsorship help is doable.