i too am relatively new to 1/12, only been doing for bout 6-8 months.
i would think that yoru best bet would be to find a road course car and try it on the oval.... whats it gonna hurt to try?
i started out with a ae 12l4 that i picked up for cheap on ebay, and recently bought a Bmi Db12r. the bmi car is a much better drive for me, but there are guys that really enjoy the 12l4 so which car you pick is completely up to what you like... also see what else is at the track so you have some set-up help
just my 2 cents