I personally think racing in both direction helps your skill level immensely . Back when I was competing in RC sailplanes I would practice circling in both directions, I hated going CW but the more I practiced the better I got and being able to go both ways payed off big time when trying to hook up in a thermal only a few feet of the ground.

I also get a large amount of satisfaction starting off and not being able to do a single clean lap and then progressing day by day and by the end being able to bang out good laps.

Cheers,
Jim