[PaulRotheram]

Being unbiased, having done nationals and not wishing to do them at the moment due to finance, I think this is an interesting topic!

When I raced at the nationals for a few seasons I always booted up my cars with new tyres, minimal one set per car, then id change to a new set again half way through the day, doing this and managing D-E finals and the odd C I never found to be absolutely needing a set a run, or more than my average two per day (which would be reused).

The nationals is the pinacle of our hobby in our country, next being Euros and the Worlds, if people find the need to spend more money, let them do it!
If team drivers are getting discounts, or even free tyres then good on them, theyre there for a reason! Alot of team drivers actually spend MORE being sponsored than they would doing it solo as they need to have the current gear at all times, represent their company to a high standard and flaunt the products however they can, towels, logos, t-shirts, hoodies etc etc!
I've definately found myself spending less returning and doing it on my own without having to get the latest gear and represent! Now i'm not saying i'd not like to be back in that position, but you make it what you want to!

However if your competeing in the national series, I think it's only fair to expect to spend a little more if needed (bearing in mind no one is twisting your arm to do it here).
If you want to be top dog, you better go out and go for it, if your spending more money and getting no where quick, I'd say stick to regionals for a while, tune your skills, and come back for another bash.

From when I started in 2000, needing 4-6 packs of cells, a variety of motors all needing skiming, brushes, and the normal costs of tyres and spares, i'm enjoying not having to spend that sort of money each season, whereas now I can use my cells, esc + motor for many seasons if I choose to.
We all want to spend less and less money, why not? its natural to look to save a couple quid when we can! But there comes a point when everyone realises its a hobby, money is to be spent, how much depends on how much you want to!
If we limit the tyres, save a couple quid, we'l end up looking to to lock out development on our esc's and motors to save more money..

At the end of the day, you spend what you can allow for and no further!

Just my 2 pence!