For this very same reason, I built a reputable street car that I drive to local haunts and pimp it and also drag it on occasion. ei: Mopar events or a good $$ charity run.LOL.
Light cars are also lighter on parts, so go figure. Plus the feedback you receive from fellow mates and fans on the street has no comparison. I enjoy it and only keep one car there.

Straight out race cars and their trailers take a mint to maintain and take a bruising from Family and loved ones complaining where all the $$ goes. I've gone the Pocket science route. Every time I get the edge to change or improve on some thing on the car, I take the old parts and sell them to off set the cost of the new add ons. I only sell good, well made,safe well maintained items off my car and if they do not meet my requirements as far as used condition, then I dump them in the garbage. I like to sleep at night when ever I'm not burning the midnight oil on my car.