Need help on racing/cars?

ive always wanted to become a racer, drift and rally are the main things i really want to do, but i have no idea how to get into that kind of stuff, im currently saving for a car, (either a 240sx, Silvia s15, and old impreza, or an evo 7). What would i have to do to get into it?, i know you gotta get your car fixed up and stuff, but what do you have to do to get noticed to be able to join a racing team?