I moved out of Seattle a year ago but there did seem to be a pretty reasonable number of autocross events available. Take a peek at http://home.pacifier.com/~msoar/solo2.html for Oregon Region events and links to NW Region and others...

If you don't get your fill doing SCCA sanctioned Solo II events, ask the competitors at them for other options. LOTS of marque and non-SCCA clubs have similar events.

To answer the question that you posed--YES. Either start by running an appropriate street car in "stock" classes or build a affordable, dedicated race car that is potentially competitive in IT (check results). Build it up gradually, remembering not to make any IT-illegal modifications along the way and you will be in fine shape for that first road racing driver school in a couple of years.

Best wishes with your plans,

Kirk