I didn't do the $10k+ startup that a lot of folks do. I got a <$2000 MV legal beater for a bike, a cheap trailer and a good set of custom leathers. No tire warmers, no EZUP, no generator... minimal as hell. Begged/borrowed/(didn't steal though) for shade, etc. on race weekends that first year.

Every year was a bit more stuff - better bike, tire warmers, generator, EZUPs, another newer/better bike, covered trailer, another newer bike, bigger trailer, bigger truck to pull said trailer... you get the idea.

$1000- before you start isn't bad.

The good news is - everything else seems cheap after you start racing.