It’s not pay to win. You’re right. Spending big bucks on a big ship will still get oneself killed by a small ship earned in-game. People who call SC pay-to-win listened a bit to much to Derek Smart while sipping their Monster, snacking on Doritos, wonding how many days they have to wait for the next Call of Battlefield. Those people genuinely do not understand what kind of game it is, why money can be spent, and that not a single penny beyond a starter package even needs to be spent. Nearly everything bought with real money can also be bought in-game. The monies goes to support the project, its clear when you buy anything, and you get like a month to return no questions asked if you want to. Or return at ANYTIME for instore credits and swap to some other ship without spending anything new. The misrepresentation still blows my.mind to this day.

Star Trek: TNG, VOY, DS9

Doesn’t really answer your curiosity, but ChrisFix on youtube has a $500 BMW for one of these races. He’s done a bunch of contra-deals and donations for the vehicle but is still able to prove he’s at the budget mark requirements. His showcase is working on and building the car for these races more than racing in them.