Money helps. Dont get me wrong. Knowledge and experience will beat money every time.  I have spent a friggin boatload of money trying to keep up with the big kahunas this year. And wasted a boatload of money on things that didnt help a bit. Even hurt my times and speed. I thank the people that have been helping me with my set ups and telling me what the hell im doing wrong. There is so much to know its crazy.  Wish i knew at the begining of the season what i know now, and i still dont know that much. Take a look at whos the fast ones in each division. They are fast because they have been doing this for years and KNOW how to go fast. There are always people who spend more money on their cars then others and it does help im sure. But spend all the money you want, if u cant set up the car and wheel the freaking thing then you will get passed by the poor guy that knows how to set the car up and the skill to match it.