Kart racing is a great way to get experience. Check out this website and see if there are any events coming up near you:
http://www.slka.net/
If that interests you, go watch a few kart races and talk to the people you meet there. They can help you get involved and gradually work your way to bigger events and full sized race cars.
Here's a vid of Michael Schumacher keeping in practice during the off-season:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7Hoqw0oHdg
and an on-board cam on a shifter kart:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR6Wv...eature=related