In order to know where you need to start, you need to do an honest assessment of where you are currently at. The first car/kart that you will drive at the track will be the one that you purchase yourself. Therefore, you need to look at what you can afford to put on the track. If you have the financial means to fund a sprint car team yourself, then I would do as others suggested and find a sprint car team that needs some pit assistance. If you have the financial means to fund a micro team , then go find a micro team that needs some pit assistance. Keep moving down the list, stock cars, Karts until you find your entry point. When looking for a team to help, remember that you are trying to gain experience. You want to find the team that only has none or one working in it. Not the team that has 5-6 guys working in it. Finally, if you can find someone that also needs help during the week and you can help in the garage that would be the best.

If you do not currently have the financial means to afford any type of car, then look around for the opportunity that is going to be the best learning experience and the most fun. In the entry level classes, there are guys out there racing with the help of their girl friend or with no one in the pits. If you can find one of these guys who you could help, they would be incredibly grateful, and would allow you a lot of freedom to learn. In the bigger teams, you may make it into the victory lane pictures more often, but it may take you many more years to learn because of the dynamics of the team.

Good luck.