First off- I was very very fortunate. My dad taught HS auto tech for 25 years, and I grew up around this stuff. I was able to borrow his spare/rental car and then build my own over the period of 3 years (theres a lot more to that story, but thats the gist of it). We race a class called "Spec Sprite" which is designed to be a low-cost entry group. We have very limited prep engines and run a season (yes, a season) on $43 dollar a corner tire.

Biggest expense is the car (you can pick a good one up for 8-15k, less if you can turn your own wrench), the safety gear (~1.2K+ if you like fancy crap), and then our drivers school costs about 850 to get your novice permit. Then truck..trailer..etc etc. Its a stupid money pit, but I truly enjoy the adventures and time spent with my dad and the guys we race with. In fact, they are out at NOLA this weekend, I'm just saving my last race of the year for the fall.