Mini sprints are a great place to start as things are pretty straightforward. Tq midgets are another avenue. There are currently two tq midget clubs. I believe with minis there is mmsa and you can also run Montpelier with the midgets as a "sportsman" midget. The minis in our area are typically 1000cc straight off a bike with many converted to alcohol. They retain the chain drive etc. Tq run a max 840cc motor and are direct drive like a full midget or sprint car. Go to some races get a pit pass and check things out. Most drivers are friendly and will talk to you about their respective car class etc. this will get you a feel for what goes into owning/ driving one