I guess it also comes down to where you are located and what HPDEs are in your area. In the NER area, SCDA and PDA run some great HPDEs that really get you ready for SCCA club racing. I did two years of HPDEs prior to going to an SCCA school. By that time, I did not feel overwhelmed by the driving. It was great preparation; I could use my time at the school to focus on other aspecs of racing.

If that was my first on track experience, I definately agree it would have been very difficult. I do agree that new racers need to get some basic experience and be taught the basics of track driving.

For those people in the NER, Tom Blaney does some private instruction. I decided to have him help me; it definately built my confidence level.

Best of luck!! Especially in the NER area, track time is very difficult to get and insurance is extremely high. But I do like the idea...