I visited MSR Houston race track were they had the 24 Hours of LeMons race.  It was a first for me to see these $500 cars in action (100+ cars racing).  What a fun way to go racing and not break the bank.  Some of the participants really put a big effort into decorating their car like an art car where others keep it more basic.  In the end it all works out to just good old fun racing.  If the tech inspection people feel that you have more than $500 invested they dock you penalty laps, and the penalty laps can add up fast… 
MSR (Motor Sport Ranch) Houston is a great facility with lots of things to do from family fun to corporate events.  They have arrive & drive go-karting, teen age driving schools, safety schools to more serious racing schools.  I must say that just spending the day watching the race was good fun…  http://msrhouston.com/