hey Danny, it's Agakuu from the High Gear Forums, except I'm known as the RallyBrat around here
Even though you missed Rim, there's still some Club Rallies in your area, check out
http://www.scca.org/amateur/performance_rally/clubrally/index.html
Also, get in contact with some rally guys in your region and they'll help you out.
Like others have said, start out with spectating to see what it's like and if you like it, then crewing to get a feel for the event (all teams need a dirty work guy to hold the fire extinguisher, scrap mud off the rims, etc. if you don't know the technical stuff) and then possibly co-drive. Still, co-driving will usually cost you half the entry fee (expect to pay $200 or so for a Club Rally) and the cost of a racing suit, helmet, etc. You might also want to do a TSD to get used to the odometer and route book instructions.
Then, driving is possible, of course theres the car, the case ($3,000) racing seatbelts, racing seats (optional) better suspension (especially for those rough Cali roads) better tires, better brakes, etc. Then you need a service van, trailor, spares and it keeps adding up, so you need some deep pockets too
Thanks,
Alex