Rich
Im not familiar with Southern Cali being from NYC and all, but I knew
a guy out that way who was extremely smart and helpful who passed
away not too long ago that told me about a group of guys out there
who run Minis exclusively and they are really helpful to new people
who approach them.
They are called "The Mini Mafia" so if you run across them at any of
the tracks you race at, approach them and they could really get you
set up!

Mike