Sure, Average bots, yes. I am sure I can compete and I have. TBH, I haven't tried the higher levels, but, if they are dominated by high dollar bots as it is suggested then there is now way that I will when I get there. The whole point of a journey is to make it to the end of that journey, not 50 miles before the end of the journey. If your destination is to see the ocean, you cannot from that distance.
I am mid-range now, it took me 2 weeks and about $2K + to get there. Why pour more money in to the game and not be able to get much further past the point I am at now. It just takes some of the fun out of the game TBH. And, from what I understand, you run a high dollar bot, so you have a financial interest in the game. So, anyway, my 2 cents, enjoy!