Dave,
Where in Maryland are you located?
If your close enough to the Central PA area, and if you are available, I invite you to come to the races with me. I have no crew and would gladly help get you up to speed with what you need to know.
Even if your not 100% go on the racing end yet (car, funds, saftey equip, seat time), just going to the races and helping crew will put you ahead of the game when you do start racing.
I started by helping an uncle that raced. I had little to zero mechanical experience. The next year, I started running a FWD strictly stock class. The following year I built my own FWD car. After 2 years of running FWD, I got my legend car. Now in my 2nd year in Legends, I can't imagine if I had tried to start from scratch. Just what I learned from helping crew for my uncle has gone a long way both on and off the track.
Once you do get started, I wouldn't worry about how fast you are right away. Speed and confidence will come with seat time. Also, most drivers will help you out because it will help them in the long run. Helping someone new get up to speed and handling well can create less issues on track. Someone who may be off pace, but if they can hold thier line and are predictable on track, it causes less issues for everyone.
As I said before, if your close enough to our area, I'd be more than happy to help you get started, maybe even get you some practice laps Wednesday nights at a local track's test & tune sessions. You gotta love eating dirt though...
Chad Earnst #85
Central PA Legends