[2544HCRC]

I don't know how you could go less than at least $2000. This year there was hardly anything usable in the kit. So far we have spent almost 400 on wheels tires and chains, another 200 on shafting and misc. from McMaster Carr, $260 for aluminum for the frame, and $150 for the plexi. It would be more but a local company just donated about $150 in pillow blocks. I haven't purchased bumper material yet and I'm sure we will have to order more sprockets etc. Hopefully we have enough misc. nuts and bolts this year. In years previous we spent about $500 just on nuts and bolts as a newer team. We have quite a stockpile now but getting here cost some money. If you aren't building this in a decent shop it is amazing what all of the little stuff costs when you have to go out and buy every nut, bolt, key, tool, etc.