Well I raced 1/2 1600 in LaRana and M.O.R.E. a few years back. The thing that people dont see is the entry fees. The last race we ran cost us 460.00 entry and half of that was the pay back. When you get into a class and start building your car, the cost just start to pile up fast. Bdfore you know it your into it 20-30,000 bucks. A good example is the Challeger class or 9 class. Its a tube chassis, ball joint front end (vw) swing axle rear, stock bore motor 1600= 1584cc. Its was ment for the entry level and affordable. Then you get guys like Adam Wix that build motors with off-set ground cranks to bring the cc's up to 1600 balance everything cost you 8,000 for one of his motors. Desert racing is alot of fun, but dont be fooled into the cheap fun. The best way to do it was to get some sponsers, for anything. As little as fuel to some of the more exspesive things. Its the only way to make it work and have fun. Dont forget to get your rule book before you start your build. Its better to know things first than to have to change mid stream. They'll tell you everything from fuel cells to fire wall placement to amount of suspension travell in your class. They are the Bible and you need to know it. The classes need to coinsight with the other sanctioning bodies so you can lure other racers from other groups to your races. Theres nothing like lining up for the start and having 30 cars just in your class. Good luck and good wheeling.
Dwayne