Never put one on, but have participated in a couple. We had three people in the first sprints, the fastest two moving on. After all of the first stage races were over it moved to head to head until there was a winner. Different classes help too. Each night the winner took home a prize, and there was a prize for the season points leader at the end. Prizes were usually small items, pedals, bars ect... but it was set up to where one could build a bike with the winnings if he or she won every night. It was a $5 entry, like you suggested. Idk if any of this helps or if Im just rambling lol.
Oh and obviously use quick release seat post clamps
