Dooby - I would also recommend looking into PCA-sponsored autocrosses that might be in your area. The great thing about autocross is you can learn most of the same things you would at a DE in a somewhat safer environment. Most are held in large parking lots where there's nothing to hit, and no track to run off. You might have to buff-out a cone mark or two in your wax, that's about it. Some people find autocrossing less intimidating than putting the car on a track, even in the novice groups.

Have fun!

brad