Cheapest way to go racing... 1000 for a civic, 500 for a pre-bent/cut cage install it yourself. 100 for a used racing seat, 50 for a harness, 400 for tires. Reduce the weight and go! Gas was not my largest expense, but that is only because i was running a very expensive track. btw, i run time trials, not head to head... you need to spend more on safety gear for head to head, but you don't even need a cage or seat/harness for time trials.
I've used a tow dolly and a ranger and it was not good at all... that was a small v6 range 4wd offroad package. I rather enjoy having my car parked inside my truck and having a bed in there and a lock on it to have everything secure and dry inside. I definately have been toying with the idea of selling my truck and my car and buying a pickup and a trailer, but i need to find the right combo for me.
My truck is 2 hours away, yes, but it is in the right direction