Im not a member of HARF but our local BARC.
I can all out say with 100 percent certainty that a race fan without at least one of the clubs is missing out on the best investment you could ever make.
You get your money back many times over in Free or reduced admissions to some races, Picnics, Many clubs offer tours or access dates to private collections of race and vintage car, Many of the members of such clubs have some vintage race cars, hot rods or vintage stuff and most of the clubs have at least one monthly meeting that after the business is done, Good food and most importantly, BENCH RACING is done. Makes the winters much more bearable.
We also pool a little from a lot of members to help give contingencies or injured drivers funds. Promote the sport and introduce new people to it.
JOIN HARF, DARF, BARC, SPARK2 or whatever racing club is in your area. It is what you make out of it. But its certainly not a waste of money, Usually less than most would spend to get to one race and back and you'll get much more in return!
Congrats Abe!