Let me try and answer a few questions...
If we started with a 100bhp engine we'd only spend the same amount of effrot learning how to get it up to 150/200nhp and at least 60 cars would have to find new engines.
Donnington 14/15 may
If its allowed to post urls you can find out about Formula Vee at
www.veecentre.com.
There is no such thing as cheap circuit racing. 2CV is probably the cheapest circuit racing. Formula Vee is by far the cheapest single seater racing(the only tupe i want to do), stock hatch and locost are the cheaper end of cars. 750 motor club specializes in the cheaper end of motorsport.
I bought the above car for £2000, trailer £180, camper van/tow car £1700. budget £600 startup costs for helmet overalls medical and test for your licenxe. Test is easy, you need to show you're safe not fast.
If you did all 14 races with a few tests your costs need not be more the 7k to win the championship.
A race entry is £150 to £200 this will get you a practise/qualifing session and 2 - 4 races.
I set of tyres per season £400, £500 engine maintenance per season, £40 fuel per weekend. Add more if you dont fancy sleeping in a tent/car/van.
We are a friendly bunch and free help is readily available for the novice and we are even running "getting started classes" for people on how to care for and prepare your car. We also have an "uncle" thing, where an experienced driver will be your uncle for the day of your first race, holding your hand all the way.
I do 50% of the races and it costs less than 3k per annum.
If there's enough interest I'll bring the car along to the next FF meet, you can all jump in and poke around it.
Starting is easy but you do need an amount of disposable income, I reckon 3k per year is fairly cheap to go racing. I, like most of you thought it was out of my reach before I discovered how little it can cost.
You may also find your employer/local garage/wealthy mate may be kind enough to sponsor you for tyres/race entry fee/ engine.