I don't think a gimmick class like Mini is a good option for a brand new racer, mini and other novelty classes are hotbeds of bending the rules and in some ways are actually more demanding on the building and tuning skills of the racers than the 'more advanced' class. Running classes that race real cars like VTA or just standard 17.5 touring in a 'novice' class teach lessons in building and tuning useful to the beginners advancement in the hobby.