I'd recommend pursuing 944 Cup instead of Spec 944 - you'll have a better level of competitiveness with an ITS-prepped 944 than a Spec-prepped 944 (which, like IT7/SRX7, is a lower level of prep). Also, check numbers in your area, but I think 944Cup is better represented in the Midwest area than Spec 944. Not sure on that one though.

But I was actually talking about an ITB 2.0L 924, which is much less expensive than the 944 - the only real difference being the engine, and it's cheaper to build a VW than a Porsche!