I have realized that as I take new drivers for our teams, I have the newbs send a video or do a ride along at a track day, as well as a race bio. . Doing a SCCA school or having a novice permit has little value as a car owner.
FWIW the race schools are the best $ spent by far, in regards to track time. .
I have found that 2 days of in car coaching can gain the equivalent of 2-3 yrs of SCCA racing/learning curve.
My path of preference has been just that, 2 days or more of track day coaching, Some un named endurance race with low pressure along with vids, another track day and then maybe SCCA racing, including the school if needed.
Maybe the SCCA could consider doing the first day with incar coaching, like the rest of the market does. The result would be a much higher value new racer and possibly more market. Only if promoted well of course.
There are many track days with lots of well paying students.