Looking to start racing

Gentlemen,

I looked into your club when I was stationed in Hawaii getting ready to move back home. I was really interested in racing Mini-Zs. Life got in the way, but now that Uncle Sam is paying me to go to school and I don't have to work full time anymore, I really need a hobby so I came back to this.

You guys seem really friendly and I've seen you have an open attitude about new people coming to races. I'm looking to buy a Mini-Z with my tax return hopefully, and I just thought I would get some advice from you.

I'm assuming you guys race 1/28th scale. Well, not really assuming since it's on your banner, so I've got that taken care of. Once I choose a kit, what do you recommend for upgrades, in order of precedence in case you guys go wild and suggest I purchase $600 worth of kit? This includes car upgrades of course, but also other gear you would suggest I need.

Next, I have the strangest feeling I'm going to suck a lot. Any ideas on what I can do to practice besides doing track runs so I have something to do when I'm sitting at home and the homework's done? I've read the racing etiquette post, what else should I know? Also, which stores do you recommend in addition to the one provided by the club? I am very willing to support local business, but it would help if I could look at an online store to get an idea of what I want to pick up.

Finally, how would you describe your club? I realize this is a very general and open-ended question, and I've done that intentionally so I can get a feel for it.

I really appreciate anything you can provide. I look forward to hopefully racing with you guys some day.