I was an SCCA member, but only so I could get my year end trophies from autocrossing. You DO NOT need to be a member of the SCCA to get good track instruction. The SCCA doesn't offer a HPDE style program in the Ohio region, and even if they did there are organizations with far more mature programs.

If you want to run at Mid Ohio, your absolute best bet is to sign up and run with NASA (National Auto Sport Assoc.). By FAR the friendliest bunch of guys and gals you'd ever want to share the track with. They offer cheap membership (half as much as the SCCA?), top notch instructors, great classroom instruction, volunteer program (you can work to earn FREE track time), and a very buttoned down smooth running program. Also, there is a very defined path up the ladder. If you want to eventually go wheel-to-wheel racing, this is the place to start. Mid Ohio events have included a NASA sponsored dinner on saturday nights and an awards ceremony complete with FREE beer! Where else you gonna get that?

You can start here - www.racenasa.com

This is the page for the OH/IN Region, of which (if you hadn't guessed) I am a member of. I drive the Pace Car for the Region in addition to being a Time Trials competitor, and this year I will be involved with the Marketing side of the region as well as the volunteer program. The first event of the year is at Mid O on April 11-13. I would be more than happy to answer any of your questions, just let me know.

Good explanation of HPDE here - http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/index.html

2008 Season Schedule - http://racenasa.nasamidwest.com/season/