On Friday, February 12, 2016 at 7:35:20 AM UTC-5, joesimmers wrote:
Dan, Really Great post!!

Except you said you need $1000 in your pocket, I think in
reality the number is closer to $2000, contest flying
can consume a lot of money. You can blow better part of
a grand on the hotel room alone in one week.

If the cost drivers are gas, housing, and vacation time. The answer is many local consecutive weekend races. How long a drive is reasonable? Say 5 hours for a guess? Draw a 5 hour driving circle around your gliderport then plan a consecutive weekend race somewhere in that circle. If you don't mind waking up early that is only two nights in a hotel. Camping is far more tolerable for two days instead of ten.