Anyone can. 
I just logged into Ebay, and there were 196 race cars (not street legal) listed for sale. Anyone with the cash can buy any one of these vehicles. Assuming they are current, that buyer can take that race vehicle and race it. This car just to the right is ready to race in the SCCA ITE class. $15,000 and you can own a race car. A "real" race car. Of course, you would have to get a racing license, but you can do that in a couple of weekends. Most tracks that host amateur racing events around the country also host school weekends. You take your new race car out, attend the classroom sessions, go out on the track with the instructors and show that you are mostly sane... and then compete in a couple of races where they make sure you aren't an overly aggressive crackpot when the real green flag drops... and they make sure that you don't panic in tight traffic at 130mph on the back straight... and you have an unrestricted license.
You say that you have NASCAR 
dreams... but a more McDonald's budget? What about this. It is a roundy car. Currently bid at $3000, and there is no reserve. I don't know the licensing requirements for the series this car is eligible for, but the car is ready to go. Get the license. Get the suit. Get the helmet. Get the trailer (it isn't included) and a tow rig. Show up and you can race. That is all it takes.
The final example before I get to my point is this lovely gem. 
This Jaguar XJR was raced by Bob Wollek. He is an accomplished sports car racer. As such, the car has a storied past, including a 2nd place at Silverstone in England, and high finishes at Spa and Monaco.
But, off to my point...
You can buy the car. You can get the suit. You can get the super groovy ultra-light helmet. You can have the tow rig... and even hire people to take your kick-butt toy to the track. You can get the license. That doesn't make you a racer.
What is even more true. You can be a racer... and not win the race. The Jag is a proven car. We know it can place on the podium. That doesn't mean that the person that wins the auction can win with the car.
Lane... you had a point coming?
You can put the house up for sale. You can get the license. You can have the spiffy business cards. That doesn't mean you will be a winner. While at first it might seem that I am being mean to agents... I"m not. I'm being real. I raced a Shelby Charger Turbo in the Atlanta Region SCCA (G Stock) and won two Point Championships (1990 and 1991). I got my butt handed to me on more than one occasion. But I kept coming back. More importantly, when I was racing I worked to improve my skills.
As a real estate agent, I do the same thing. Every day. I still get my butt kicked... Now, instead of looking for the extra bit of time to take off my total, I look for a way to sell that property. In January, the NewListing/Sold ratio for Gwinnett County was 10%. A lot of people had their butts handed to them. How many looked for a better way?
My numbers are a LOT better than that... and I look for ways to get better every day.
Unless otherwise noted, all content of this blog is the property of Lane Bailey, ©2012 Lane Bailey.
I'd love to hear from you...
Lane, Your title sucked me into your post once again. You got any fun projects in the works? I am working on a 1979 Camaro Z-28 with a big block Chevy. A neat project that has a 12 bolt, full cage, extensive weight reduction and needs the engine dropped in and the transmission and converter bolted into place and it is ready ro roll. Should be a 9 second street car. Fun times in the summer sun are ahead in Mount Vernon Ohio. Happy Hot Rodding!
Finding the time to work on your Jeepser may be a challenge coming into the spring market. I hope your market is getting busy already...mine has been gaining speed in a big way. In the next couple of weeks I shoot some video of one of my hot rods in action and post them on here.
Happy Selling and Happy Hot Rodding.
Sam - I hope so...