Cyclocross - Surly Not Raceworthy?

I've searched through the threads here, and it seems that while people are very keen on the Surly Crosscheck, there's a feeling it isn't raceworthy. I'm in the market for a budget frame, and I'm definitely going to be racing on it. Do any of you experienced racers not recommend the Surly specifically for racing. I don't mean compared to a $1400 Alan, I mean compared to comparably priced framesets. Obviously, fit comes first, and obviously it's possible to race on anything. Just want some fine-tuned opinions. Thanks!

any 'cross bike is raceworthy. period. it's just that the surly is a bit heavy and not designed principally as a race rig. in 'cross. more than almost any other cycling discipline, it;s the engine that counts.

I've got this theory about bikes & riders. In short it goes like this; the bike is way more worthy than the rider. In very few cases do I believe it's the bike that holds back the rider. Build it how you want. The Surly Cross-Check will go as fast as you can make it go. If you're a chart topping dood, maybe the Surly is not for you, but if you're looking for a bike that'll equal your talents... the Cross Check won't let you down.

It appears that for racing, the Fuji Cross is, out of the box, the best value. I bought the Surly Cross-Check for several reasons:

This will serve as my go anywhere, do anything bike. For road use, I wanted a steel frame. For trails, I wanted 32 and 36 spoke heavy dduty mavic's or better and the high clearance. I also wanted braze ons to carry my racks and saddle bags (for my camera gear).

I just got a fuji cross frameset (e-bay) it's as light as my cannondale. Chesck out the redline frame at excelsport.com for $350. lighter than the surly anchor.