I would say that they are making an effort to get the cost down. As some people have stated before, money will always come to the top. There is no way around it. We can slow it down for a while, then it catches back up with technology. I think the point Lynn is trying to make is that if you have a smaller tire, yes you may have more side bite or a harder time controlling the car, But that is the point. It will make a less of a need to have a $40,000 850 hp motor. You won't need it and couldn't use it. It would be entirely too fast to have it. That itself would keep the cost down. Then the motor builders would have to figure a way to still make money on machine work with a smaller motor which midget motors are still $40,000. A guy can put together a motor fairly cheap to run in almost any non-wing deal. Especially as much dry conditions we have had in the past few years. I enjoy running on the slick when you are still able to pass. Sure it is not as fast but there is more driver involved. The problem with slowing the cars or lowering the horsepower now, is that the fans may see it as a step backwards. Not as many wheel stands, although the racing may be better. Not taking away from anyone here, but we would see who was who.
I think it is a great idea. The intial cost would be more to replace with the smaller stuff, but the money you would save on the motor would surpass the wheel and tire bill.
Just a thought.
Tyler Shoemaker
www.tylershoemakerrracing.com