Tim hit it on the head. Unless you have been at this for 20-30 years, you will probably need to bring some funds. That's just the way it is now. Be that owning your own stuff or taking some money (sponsor or your own) to someone. Should it be that way? No, your skills alone should be enough, but these are different times...have been for a while. Back in the day, your driving was enough. If you want to make it, raising funds is part of the "job" of driving.

Sweet is the perfect example of hard work. I remember him showing up around here and just making it with what he had. You could see he was a gasser and would do well in better equipment. Year by year he was in better equipment because of his driving and now look at where he is. He's got a pretty good deal going. Raising funds is just part of it now. Becoming a driver these days is more than just steering the car. If you want in, you have to do some leg work on the business side too. It's not easy, but it's a fact.