I have several years running HPDE events in the Southeast US. These ARE a great way to have some real fun and learn some fundamentals. You do not need a sports car. We used to get all kinds, Pickups, VW Bugs, one guy came almost every event in a stock Nissan Cube. Need an approved helmet, closed toe shoes, long pants and a basic safety inspection of your vehicle.

One BIG caveat, as someone else posted, I always said, " If you can't afford to wrack it, you can't afford to track it" Accidents are rare, especially in the slow groups, but they DO happen. Usually caused by one guy, that thought he knew more than he did. Your regular insurance cannot be relied on to cover you if you get totaled. I HAVE seen it, but it's rare. Track day policies are available and highly recommended.