I'm on a NY region forum, NYSpeed.com. Every year a group of people get together to rent a track in Ontario, Canada. It's a 24 person max, and it's only $50 (plus obviously any cost it takes you to get there). It's only about 2 hours from me, so it still comes out cheap.
There is NO driving instruction. But, they are welcoming of people who have never track driven before. They split the group into two, new track drivers, and not so new track drivers, and each group runs for 30 minutes before they switch. You'll get about 2 hours worth of seat time I estimated from last year. It is a point-by event only (ie, you cannot pass unless the person in front of you points you by first). It is NOT sanctioned by any authoritative body.
It's just a group of people enjoying their cars at a rented track. However, I can vouch for the safety precautions they take... it isn't just a free for all with little track kiddies racing all over the place.
Edit: Forgot the link!
http://www.nyspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27511
From the post linked above:
For those that are unaware of the details, the track days are located at Dunnville Autodrome in Ontario, Canada. It's only about an hour away from Buffalo.
http://www.dunnvilleautodrome.com/
The cost per-car is only $50.
Track dates are always on a Friday from 4pm until sunset.
There are only 24 spaces available for these track days. Spots are first come, first serve.
Track day spots are for NYSpeed members ONLY - If you don't have a NYSpeed user name (if you're not part of our community) payment won't be accepted. This is due to the high demand for spots. What's the easy way to fix that problem? Become a member!
Payment must be Via PayPal to my account, which will only be given out if you PM me first
There will be NO refunds. Once the track has the money, that's it. But you can always sell your spot to someone else on the forum.
For more information, read the following. Everyone going must read and sign the last page:
NYSpeed Track Day Rules & Regs - RIGHT CLICK, SAVE AS - PDF File