Cash as a prize would draw more top teams, but turn off beginners and some of the weekend warriors. If the prize money came from the entrance fee, I imagine there could be some hard feelings and resentment as well. Many events offer prize money to the winners, but there is usually not much emphasis on it. The Volvo Champions race offer a substantial prize, but this is sponsor money.
For some Volvo CR videos:
http://www.fly-tornado.de/bilder/videos/tornado_wmv.wmvhttp://www.volvocars-aktionen.de/vcr/rueckblick2004_video.htmlPersonally, I dont think we need more agression and 'will to win' on the race course. There is plenty of testosterone going around as it is <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
When it comes to prizes, I like useful items like gloves, blocks etc. or something from the sponsors. The "traditional" prizes we have won, like engraved glasses/mugs etc. started out at the back of a cabinet. Now my wife have put them in a cardboard box and put the box in storage. It will be fun looking at them the next time we relocate, but it's the preparations, competition and good memories from the event thats the real motivation to go to events, at least for us.
