The locals run 25 laps for $1200-$1500 to win every week, they will run 40 laps for $5000. But money is a huge issue, especially when your President make a half mill. and the Sprint Champion get 2% of that salary.
But, to knock the product is absurd!! The USAC format is the best to provide great racing. There are always going to be flag to flag winners in all forms of racing. The sprint racing in Indiana is 2nd to only the USAC National Series ( which is actually only about 7-8 full time teams + the top locals).
Side note: And I am already giggling knowing I will get blasted for this: If you want passing and excitement go to the Speedrome and watch a Figure 8 race. They have as much or more money in their equipment, and they start the feature inverted in points and last top finishes, which means the fastest starts last. 50 laps and the fast guys get to the front around lap 40 and race like hell, great stuff!!