This is a weekend-long race for cars purchased, fixed up, and race-prepped for a total of $500 or less. Each team must survive the Fragile Old-Lady Mannequin Slalom, the Brick On the Gas Pedal Test, and other qualifying rounds; the racing starts on 4:00 Saturday and runs until 10:00 pm; it picks up again at 9:00 the next morning through the checker at 4:00 pm Sunday. Plenty of food, music, and fun before, during, and after--and finally, assuming you're still standing, the gala awards ceremony presents trophies, plaques, and winner's purses paid out in nickels.

There will be a few $500 BMWs and at least one 2002.