We may jump in with a car and team.

We're going to look at a car and a parts car tomorrow. We still many details and issues to work out, such as an incompatible team member, but mostly the car and finances, plus where to stash it and work on it, and setting a date for our first race, and signing up and getting accepted, and so on. The car hasn't run in 20 years and as far as the owner knows does not run, but the engine can be turned using a wrench. Mechanical stuff like that. Otherwise, it is complete.

But for our theme, we want to build a somewhat nice looking car. I know, not really a LeMony concept, but it will be yellow, mostly, if that helps. You know how the Gulf Miata that runs on the west coast looks? Nice like that. A parody/tribute to a more famous car. Cheap, but nice. Oh, and with lots of stickers, and a big ass wing, and a splitter, and extra lights.

So my question is, since making it look nice might cost a little extra, does the cost of theme-ing the car count in the $500 restriction?

If so, then would showing up for the first race in a rusty car, followed by making it look nice for the second race, residual value, work? Like the Angry Hamster people did. Their car looks great with all the new paint.