Performance low cost

Any chance you'll fit in the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ? They're redesigning it for 2022. Like the Miata, these are known to be good cars for learning to drive without spending a ton on tires and brakes. I didn't like the quantity and quality of highway noise in previous ones, but maybe the new one will be better here.

The Camaro and Mustang are much more expensive to track, and you might fit no better in these.

Perhaps rear-wheel-drive is the wrong way to go, as RWD performance cars tend to lack headroom, and the afforable ones tend to be small.

The Volkswagen GTI in either old 2021 or redesigned 2022 form could fit your needs very well, though you might want to mod the suspension for track driving. I think it's necessary to get the base trim to not get a sunroof.

The regular Subaru WRX is probably too soft for track work, but mods could make it a contender. The WRX STI would be more suitable as-is, but lists for about $38k. These do have more headroom than the VW, but are based on a much older chassis.z

A final suggestion from left field: the upcoming Hyundai Kona N. It will have the same powertrain as the Veloster N, which was tuned somewhat more aggressively than a GTI, but with a couple inches more headroom. Now that I think of it, I'm liking this suggestion quite a bit. BUT pricing isn't yet known, and if demand outstrips supply (likely at first) I can see them selling for over $35,000. Another possible deal-killer: unlike the Veloster, it will only be offered with a DCT. Looking further into the future, the next Civic Si could be a contender, but this one could be a year away.