Autocross is an inexpensive, safe way to experience racing. It helps you discover your car's capabilities and limitations, making you a better, safer driver on the road. And it develops your own driving ability. Many would-be race drivers use it as a jump point into the sport of road racing. But probably the greatest thrill of autocross is the challenge of beating your own time.
Costs vary widely around the country.
Typical cost for a single day event is probably ten or twenty dollars. The sponsoring club has expenses like site rental and insurance. Costs for insurance are not insignificant in lawsuit-happy America. Keeping safe courses and speeds is important to the survival of the sport. It costs almost nothing to start autocrossing, and since other cars are not on the course with you, there is almost no risk of damage to your car.