They don’t have to nor do they have the time. They can run for good money upwards of 100 times per year. Even the Ohio cars can run 50-70 and depending on where they live not travel more than 100 miles.
And another thing most of them them don’t have aspirations of making it to the big stage, they are passionate about where they’re at. I’m not saying at all that the NW guys aren’t passionate but if you think it’s the same I’d disagree. I’ve been on both sides.