In the world of racing, few things stir as much debate as the rise of big money races—events offering $10,000 or more to the winner, with some paying out well over $250,000. These races draw hundreds of competitors from across the country, showcasing some of the best talent and equipment the sport has to offer. But the question remains: Are big money races fueling the growth of our sport, or slowly pricing out the very racers who built it?
The Rise of Big Money
It’s hard to ignore the raw appeal. Who wouldn’t want to turn a weekend at the track into a five- or six-figure payday? For many racers, big money races have become the new pinnacle of competition—a shot at glory, cash, and recognition in an increasingly competitive arena.
Events like the Great American Bracket Race, The Flings, and the OG Million have regularly seen 500+ entries, drawing trailers from all corners of the country. These events are packed, energetic, and loaded with talent. So how can people say bracket racing is dead?
The truth is, racing is far from dead. It’s just changing.
The Other Side: The Price of Admission
But as payouts have increased, so have entry fees, travel costs, and equipment expectations. It’s not uncommon to see entry fees north of $500 for just one race, with some weekend events costing $1,000 or more to enter. Add in fuel, lodging, food, and wear-and-tear on both rig and race car, and the financial barrier grows taller.
More importantly, the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots” feels wider than ever. Big-dollar builds, high-end electronics, and full-time race operations have become the norm at these events. That reality can be discouraging to the local or regional racer who cut their teeth in footbrake classes and grassroots Saturday night programs.
For some, it feels like the sport has shifted away from its roots—where a trophy and a handshake were all the reward you needed.
Chicken or the Egg?
Some argue that the rising cost of racing justifies the larger payouts—that if racers are spending more to stay competitive, it only makes sense for the prizes to scale up. But others claim that these big payouts are driving costs higher, creating a cycle where “keeping up” means spending more, not just racing better.
It’s a classic chicken-or-the-egg dilemma. Are big money races a response to the cost of racing, or the cause of it?
Accessibility vs. Aspirational
One of the biggest challenges facing drag racing today is accessibility. The sport needs new blood—young racers, budget racers, local hobbyists—to keep it alive. But for many of them, the world of big money bracket racing feels out of reach.
That’s not to say these events are inherently bad. In fact, they’ve helped bring visibility and excitement to the sport. They’ve pushed media coverage, onlinestreaming, and sponsorship interest to new heights. But if we lose the grassroots racer along the way, what are we left with?
A Call for Balance
So, what’s the answer? It’s not about killing big money races. They’re here, and they’re thriving. But it may be time for promoters, sponsors, and even racers to consider how we balance elite competition with grassroots inclusivity.
Racing isn’t dead. It’s evolving. And like any evolution, there are growing pains. The challenge now is ensuring that as the top rises higher, we don’t forget to build a solid foundation below. Because no matter how big the check, the soul of drag racing lives in the pits, in the lanes, and in every racer who shows up chasing a dream—even if it’s just for a trophy.
