"Before you know it, you’ve spent over your retirement.”

GARDENA—In case you were wondering about the cost of building a race car, it can range from as little as $6,000 to an astronomical $2 billion, depending on whether you ask a car enthusiast or look at the actual price of the parts. The vast range stems from the type of race car and the willingness of the car builder to admit how much they have actually spent.

For instance, building an amateur race car might set you back a few thousand dollars. Enthusiasts like Mark Stevens emphasize, “Just make sure you have enough money for bills, but don't look at the parts receipts. You're much happier that way.” His latest project, a 1996 Honda Civic, cost him under $10,000. He claims he's pretty sure it's under $10,000.

On the other end of the spectrum, professional teams have budgets that rival the GDP of small nations. These high-tech machines incorporate cutting-edge technology, materials, and design expertise. “The average cost of a professional car can easily exceed $10 million,” says racing analyst Sarah Thompson. “When you factor in the research, development, and all the crashed ones we have to replace, the costs can skyrocket into the billions over a season.”

But even amateur racers can face hefty expenses. Rally driver Jenna Lewis notes, “Once you start, it’s hard to stop. You buy a better engine, then you need better tires, some super cool wheels, a nice livery, a really cool diffuser, a giant wing, then a more advanced suspension. Before you know it, you’ve spent over your retirement.” Her current rally car, a Subaru Impreza, has seen incremental upgrades totaling an undisclosed amount that Jenna can only describe as, "A lot."

Ultimately, the cost of building a race car is highly variable and depends on the level of competition, the quality of components, and the builder's aspirations. Whether it’s a weekend hobby or a professional pursuit, the passion for speed comes with a price tag as unique as the cars themselves. Don't forget to offset the cost of your build by spending a few years eating instant ramen.