I have never tried drag racing but I have done a few circuit races on open track days. I have a BF2 XR6T ZF Auto with an APS Phase3 kit, AP racing 6pot brake upgrade, Tein coil over suspension kit, Volk 18" forged wheels fitted with semi slicks. Total cost, including buying the car new would be approx $65,000.00. At my last track day at Wakefield I kept up with the best. There was a Lotus Exige and a Porsche GT3 that nobody could catch but you are looking at cars worth well over $120K each. (Also my car has 4 doors and seats 5 whereas these have 2 doors and only seat 2 ;-) As for the other cars. Aston Martin DB7, Mercedes V12 AMG, a recent Mustang, new HSV GTS and assorted STi's etc, etc, they were chasing me. I could easily overtake them on the straight and let them catch up in the twisty bits. I have not broken anything on my car (as yet) and it drives sedately all day if I want it to. There is always something more to do to improve the car but I am very happy with it and for what it can do I dont think the cost has been that much. I think tyres are the biggest ongoing expense but it sure beats a speeding fine and loosing points. (I still have my 12).