[CarRacer]

As someone who has spent years at the local circle tracks. You can get a lot to slide in the Hornet class I bet. Most of the tech guys are old school domestic guys. They don't know or care to know much about these newer imports. The class doesn't race for much money either, so tech isn't emphasized as much as the higher/faster classes.
With that in mind, you seem to be on the right track with keeping costs down.
Good luck on your search and I'll send anything I see your way. PM me with any questions you have about circle track. I'm new to dsm's, but an old hand at circle track racing.