[DHARROD]

To be clear ... all you have to do is show up with that car and beat him? It doesn't have to look good (at least not at race time)? it only has to function... right? If so you shouldn't worry about paint, body work, interior – in fact you should strip the car as much as possible - even if he said it has to be close to stock weight .. you want to put the weight in the right places. I assume he gave you some cap on the build cost (what is your budget)?. I'd put the money in the drive-train, suspension and tires; skip the cosmetics. After you win and recoup half the build cost .. then finish up.

Also - I'll assume you'll take the time to go drive the course you'll be on (if you haven't already). If your just starting in track racing you may want to gets some instruction in some live situations.

... Also I do agree a good set of tires is a must/priority.