amain isn't that far from you is it (I believe they are in Chico) - and there's Speedworld near Sacramento in Roseville (I'm guessing an hr. each way for either place.)
For starting out - check out what locals have have for a good roller - there's always stuff available, and lots of times will come with boxes of spare parts dirt cheap.
Both of the listed classes are fun w/ their realistic body looks - and slower speeds than the comp classes - they are both a great way to get introduced to on-road, and both use spec tires, and have other limitations, so you can just work on driving w/o having to chase 20 different tire choices, etc.