Funny thing I just read, a replacement CF hood(not even a chassis component) for a new Ford Shelby GT500 will cost $18K....sure there is a ton of mark up, but compare that to any series production parts today.....
About the repair, most race car tubs can only be repaired at specialist manufacturers, and I believe that's how a lot of them makes some extra money. Multimatic in Toronto for example does repair for a lot of the single seaters in various series and their repair work has to be re-certified by the governing bodies for the car to get their chassis plate back. The equipment and material is not something a regular mom and pop shop can afford or used....
Lotus is unlikely to move from their current bonded aluminum extrusion to something like a carbon tub. The amount of weight you are going to save is not going to be remotely proportional to the cost. Sure the new McLaren is going to be cheaper, but you are still talking about a $200,000+ car, vs a $70,000 car....
University of Toronto Formula SAE Alumni 2003-2007
Formula Student Championship 2003, 2005, 2006
www.fsae.utoronto.ca