For racing, your max budget is actually $3k divided by two. Don't race what you can't replace.

If I lived by that rule I wouldn't race at all because I don't really have the funds to replace my bike either.

FYI, westernbikeworks is having a great sale on zipp wheels right now. Both the new NSW and previous models.

Bicycle racing isn't a poor man's sport.

You could get a dandy race bike and a good set of wheels for $3k.

Very true, and you don't even need to spend that much for a good bike & wheels.

Tactics and conditioning/fitness wins criterium races, not the bicycle.

Criterium is the perfect place for some cheap Chinese knockoffs. No heavy braking and who cares when you smash them.