For me the three major factors are:

1.) Location and funds - I'm going to use Spencer as an example. If you live in Kokomo is it really worth it to haul to TSS for a race? You not only have to pay for your equipment, entry fees, etc but you have to pay for your fuel just to get there and back and that's quite a haul.

2.) Number of tracks running which directly correlates to point 3.) which is quality of competition. If there is a big money show at TSS or the Burg and I'm a low budget team I've probably got a better chance to run well at Putnamville than I do against the Dave Darlands or Bryan Clausons of the world who obviously have better equipment. I'd rather run for a $1200 winners share than a 4000-5000 share that I know I have no chance of winning.