There's another difference for me: I'm not trying to make $$ at this. I would be one HUNGRY dude if I was!! I race simply for the thrill of competition. Trying to cut a light and then fender racing at the 1/4 mile stripe...loads of fun to me. And if I win some $$ then it's a great bonus. I don't clamor for those big payout races as they attract too many sharks!!
In the racing 1.0 version of me back in the 80's and early 90's, I won about $1200 the last year I raced. Good times as several trips to the finals!!