How does a poor man become a racing driver?

Before I start, let me jus say... Hey! I'm Back! My computer is back up, and I managed to remember which email I had signed up here with.

So, that out of the way, does anyone here know how a 17 year old, with no money, who is only capable of earning minimum wage, and not much prior experience, becomes a racing driver? I love almost every form, so that's a non-issue. I also have a talent for it, but I haven't had the opportunity to really see the extent to which that talent goes. One thing I do know, is that when I get in a car, I learn it relatively quickly, but, that was one car one time, on an oval. Does anyone know what I can do? I'm asking all over the internet for an answer that actually works. It's my lifelong dream, and I wont have it be crushed by circumstance. Any ideas?

Karting or Junk car rallycross are widely accepted as the most budget friendly racing sports...well except for simracing on a PC.

You also have kanacross, motorkhana, and hill climbs, also 24 hours of LeMons...

Most of those you can run in a car from the wreckers, hill climbs you can run in your daily...

Without money is difficult, you'll have to spend something I guess.
If I had to try it I'd try to be seen doing more than perfection in a gokart so maybe there could be a chance somewhere of a sponsor. Those programs like GT Academy could also help, all those guys actually had real life experience, none of them came from just playing a video game which is why it's important to be on go karts.
But if you have access to ovals that could also worth a shot.
Anyway all of it will cost money.

Mikal,
I was 15 when I started with the same dream. At 16 I got very "poor" with family problems. But I continued to chase it in SCCA. E production and Formula V.
I'm remembering a reality TV show from a while back hosted by Tommy Kendall about fledgling racers. Great show. He gave a great piece of advice which I'd wished someone had told me;
'Your talent will have absolutely nothing to do with your success in this sport'
He's right. There are tons of outstanding drivers that we've never heard of. I drove against some who were marvels. And there are famous ones that you could beat on track.
So pick a series (karting, Late Models, etc) and go in with some other guys that have the same dream. Put everything you have into the car / kart and your driving. But more importantly, spend double that amount of time building relationships that lead to sponsorships.
Those relationships lead to $ or knowledge. That's what will make you successful.
Browse the website below for some good stuff too.

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