[Pillow]

By far the easiest way to go racing on the cheap is SCCA auto-x. Just pass tech (I have seen some real turds on the track so it is easy) and pay $25 then you are rolling! They supply a helmet usually, but it is better to buy your own. I think the helmet standard is SA2000 or SA95 these days? Go to a motorcycle shop or race shop and they will know what you need.

If your car does not barf fluids it can race.

Once you get on the real tracks then a real tech check takes place way before the event and you pay $ to play. Usually a couple c-notes.

Check out worldcarz.com they are reasonable and you run on NASCARish tracks with some chicanes (sp) put in... Pretty cool stuff, but they run FAST. Not sure if this is a good GL kind of event.