I just went back and read the rules, scan down to pg 2. I can't believe nhra is making them wear a helmet.
Here nhra had a great Idea to get youth involved at no cost to them or mom & dad, then they go and screw it up.
Not only does the driver need a helmet, but the co-driver does too. That alone will kill the program.
How much does TWO snell helmets cost???
On the cheap, $70-$80 per, almost the cost of fuel if they have to drive a bit to get to a track, and I don't think a parent/guardian would balk at that particular expense if the family decided to look into actually going ahead with the program.
They're being quite liberal with that particular spec. It's a rather small cost when looking at everything that is needed for every other entry point/class.
Initial cost before a run is made: $140-$200
Insured family car (assuming they already have one of those) which can pass most state's basic safety inspection for registration. $0 extra
Other Fluids/Nominal Maintenance/Tires (assuming they do that for the family car already) $0 extra
Two Helmets meeting NHRA spec for the class $140-$200
Bragging rights at school the Monday following? PRICELESS
Cost per track day: $40-$90 depending on distance to track
Track participant entry (unsure of this, as it all depends, but I can't imagine it would run too high as it's in everyone's benefit to get 'em while they're young) let's say $30/day for both members
Fuel (assuming you have an 1/8th mile NHRA/IHRA track no more than 100 miles from you ~13-15 gals @ 20MPG @ $4/gal (just to be safe) $60/trip including track miles and sitting in Burger Drive-Through on way home. (burger not included in track day estimate)
If they're actually thinking of doing something for their child that involves racing, of any type, let-alone any other "hobby", it doesn't get much cheaper than that. A skateboard and helmet runs that much, and I'm sure Jr Dragster folks spend $160 on just the kid's driving suit.
If it's out of their budget for their child, racing isn't really a topic of discussion at their dinner table anyway, or it would be a great opportunity to explain how working for some money to do what you really want to do is the way to go. Imagine just how many kids would be willing to mow lawns, or clean yards etc. if this was eating at their brain. It's great motivation. Work harder/longer, and forgo some of the normal kid interests, and they can buy a fancier helmet (which is totally cool, dontcha know)
I keep imagining the value of having an excited kid going back to school, dying to tell anyone that will listen about his/her day at a real race track. The free marketing hitting the ultimate demographic for the future is indeed, priceless in my mind.