I Have both National And A Pro SCCA License, I have also competed In many Regionals and Nationals on almost every track in the East Inlcuding being invited and competing in the RunOffs. You can Compete with little Money, But to be fast you will have to spend alot. To get a regional License you must first pass two driving schools (which are a good cheap way to get track time and learn alot), and once you get passed the schools you can race in regionals (head to head). To be a front runner you need to consider a set of tires for each weekend if not each race, and if possible also looking to An engine Builder for the class you which to compete in.

Good luck, Eric