Don't think of it like that....
Thinking once I get past the novice stage I will join. More cause I will have an excuse for being a back marker than an ability to compete.
Scott, I have some pointers from my novice season last year.
1. Just concentrate on completing your Novice Requirements. Two of my best RACING moments last year were in my first two novice races. Nothing like going out there as a novice and ending up in a door to door battle with another novice.
But I don't recommend this for everyone. I paid attention at the Novice meeting, took notes. Even nodded my head. Then in the heat of the moment and excitement I completely forget everything. It worked out okay fortunately.
2. Have fun refer to #1.
3. Walk around the paddock and introduce yourself. "Hi, I am Scott Haynes I race in Group _, Class _. What group/class are you in?"
4. Have some more fun. See #3.
5. Meet the workers they are easy to spot just look for white.
I too was a "backmarker" one of, if not the slowest in my primary group, G4.
But I found by entering a second run group when I could afford it I was no longer the slowest. I was in the middle! Sweet gave me a bunch of cars to race with. I am sure this will happen to you also.
Remember Championship placings are as much about showing up, finishing every lap as they are about speed. I saw a lot of bullet fast cars not finish in both my run groups. Some mechanical, some from driver error.
If you have any questions just ask the forum here (you will get many opinions) or if at the track ask the other racers or workers.
Speed and performance started out as my biggest concerns last year and ended up being non-issues in a slow car with old tires.
If all you want to do is have fun you will. Then rest will fall in place in its own time.
I am told my car was meant for a touring car not a race car. That is from people that have raced them.
Forget that, hell "The Ground Pounder Drivers Association" (GPDA) started a little rough with the Stock Cars getting them working/finishing on a road course. But they got them figured out and they work very well now.
Disregard the negative, you picked your car for a reason. Enjoy that reason.
I was told this/that/otherthing to do or not do to my car. With what money? Half the fun for me is working on the car and doing my way with what I can.
This sport ("Hobby") costs too much, and requires to much effort to be anything less then a great time.
Now comes the hardest part.....the waiting for the season to start.