Road Race Wannabe--What is needed to start?

My goal is to be able to race in an AMA event.  

I don't know if I want to get a Pro license, but the Novice or next level might be good enough.  Since I am 6 feet and 3 inches tall, and weigh "a few double cheeseburgers shy of 300 lb." (Mike Seate, Motorcyclist Magazine) I believe I'll need to enter some of the non-sprint type of racing, such as 8-hour, or 24-hour races.  My team will probably need to be made up of similar size/weight racers due to bike set-up factors.  I'd prefer to be a one-man endeavor--in which type of race would I have a chance to be in the middle?  Maybe I should start a 300-lb racer club?  Would Battle of the Twins be a wise choice?

Here's what I presume is needed to get started--let me know if I am accurate. Obviously, one needs a motorcycle.  Would a high-torque bike, such as a twin be better than a 4-cylinder?  Next, it will need to be race-prepped (safety-wired; belly pan that can hold 5 qt of oil; race tires; Water Wetter in place of OEM anti-freeze, etc.)  Required leathers, boots, gloves and helmet then must be acquired.  The wannabe racer should attend at least one of the track schools offered by Keith Code, Kevin Schwantz, Pridmore, etc.  Here is where I am stuck...What to do next?  Should I enter as many club track days as possible to get track time, or should I enter Novice-level races?

Thanks in advance for your input!  Greg  

You should attend several riding schools in order to ensure your skill levels are requisite with any competition requirements. That way you know you aren't just reinforcing bad habits by riding at track days. Simply jumping into the deep end by entering a novice race won't help you until you have the necessary riding skills.

How much riding experience do you have?  

Wow!  The first response is from Kunitsugu-san!  I am honored!

It is fantastic, Kent, that you are so involved with the subscriber base!

Suggesting that I accumulate experience by attending several riding schools is sound advice--I will do it.  With racing being the goal, are some better than others?

I have been riding combustion engined motorcycles for 40 years.
My first motorcycle was a Kawasaki KZ 900, and yes, it did wobble on the kickstand!
Last bike was a Ninja 900.  I was practicing full-lock turns to master throttle and clutch feathering, as well as wheelies, brakies, and sliding the rear.  I did not have the opportunity to practice, safely, sliding both ends, so I stopped there.  I repair my motorcycles myself, including valve lash adjustments.  Greg  

All the popular riding schools have their own advantages. Inform them of what you're looking to accomplish, and they'll all have their own take on what you need to do.

Much of your choice depends on how much your budget can handle, but probably the biggest deciding factor will be how close the school (and track) is to you. The more expensive schools (Schwantz, KTM) require that you attend the school at their home circuit but they supply the bikes, while the traveling schools (Pridmore STAR, California Superbike School, etc.) might be at a track closer to you, and have the option of letting you ride your own bike for less $$. In your case, you might want to look at the ones that have bikes.