The cost is actually the same when you add in the header and tuned pipe.[&o]

Your right, I need to spend some pylon time.

I found a trick the last time I raced. Don't mill about waiting for the race to start, just start doing the course as fast as you can and get your rhythm going but you may need to go wide on a lap or turn so you don't jump the start. This does two things, gets you warmed up and messes with the start timing of some of the other pilots. The other guys may not have the fuel for this but I do and then some.