Remember, I recognized this as possibly far fetched, so don't the get the idea that I'll run out and try to do it.

Wouldn't you think that McGrath, Farr and most of the other big names get to count their rides as deductions? The IRS doesn't (or isn't supposed to) discriminate against people just because they have little skill. If the top riders get to count it off on taxes, why wouldn't one who was in dead last or never even qualified as long (as an attempt was made). Still, I would follow the advice to speak to a CPA or an IRS agent prior to such a deduction. I personally know someone who counts their enclosed truck (probably about 20 ft enclosure) off on their taxes because they are racing/advertising the dealearship that the race vehicle represents.

Lottery = tax on those who are mathematically impaired! That was a good one. I'll have to tell that one at work.