Chad the way I started was simple, I was going to the track each week and I just decided I wanted to do it. So I went down to the pit office, got a rule book and looked it over.
The same week I got a junk 70 Mustang to work over and got with it. Belive me at 18 years old and no race experiance at all everything I learned was the hard way. I was lucky that my dad had helped on a stock car in the late 50's and he was interested in helping me out on the car. Although he helped work on it the money aspect was mine alone although he did supply the garage and a truck to use.
This was back in 77 before there were store bought chassis and most race parts were converted junk yard pieces.( the good ole days!!!)
Today I would suggest the best way to get started would be to go to the track to watch and learn from the pits, not the grandstands.
Talk to the people and dont be afraid to ask questions, as most will be glad to answer them. Just take all answers with a grain of salt and pay attention to how the car they are running is doing. In other words the guy who is always in last place may try to tell you he knows all the answers, but if he is so smart why is he always last?
If you decide it is something you just have to do, then by all means do it. But just remember its not a one man game, you will need help, pit crews etc. Also starting at one of the entry leval classes would be a good idea till you get some experiance. I would suggest not building your own first car, wait till seasons end when all the top dogs are building new cars for next year and you will be able to buy one of the front running cars for way less than it is worth and along with that it will be a car with most of the bugs worked out of it.
Also the previous owner will more than likely be a source of advice and information. (untill you start beating him and his new car!!) Its a great sport if you have the time and money it takes and I was lucky my family all got involved with it and it helps keep everyone close. mm