I think it would be fantastic if an owner/driver could make a profit racing at the local, regional or even the national levels!

But has this happened since the early 60's? (if even then, I wasn't there) I'm not even sure it has EVER been profitable to own a racecar?

Name any other owner/participant sport where you can turn a profit?
I know you can't do it racing bikes! (Flat track or motocross)
I have never raced boats or airplanes, but I think those might even be worse at an investment to return ratio!

Just saw a thing the other day on the Herbst SCORE team from Vegas.
They have an investment of OVER a MILLION BUCKS in their Trophy Truck that runs the Baja 1000,
IT ONLY PAYS $6,000.00 TO WIN THAT CLASS!

And you're griping about USAC's payout? :headbang

Anyone that races, had better be racing for the love and the fun of it and don't look too close at the bottom line!
Racing is and has always been a rich mans sport, if it wasn't, there would be a HELLOFALOT more teams than there are!