When the switch first went to rear engines, tires were free, Goodyear and Firestone were at war. Heck Foyt and Andretti made a killing financially from the tire companies. Twin cam fords were free, Ford supplied them. You could build a competitive car on your own, ask D.O., his family built the Mongoose. Costs were a lot less.

Similar to when the IRL started. $75,000 for a motor you OWNED. You took care of it, and made it fast yourself. The drivers were sprint car guys, Hewitt, Kinser, Brian Tyler, and such. They seemed to do well.

Then someone saw they could make a buck on the deal. Here comes the Japanese with engine lease programs, cubic dollars are now required. There goes the locals.

As they say though,"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Indy car racing is proof.