I just had a blast yesterday at a Porsche Club/BMWCCA autocross. 8 runs plus fun runs at The Tire Rack track in South Bend, IN. The event was laid back with nice people that didn't mind a MINI joining their fun. It was the first time I ventured outside of an SCCA event. Keep an open mind and get the seat time! Check you local clubs for opportunities.

 

Our local BMWCCA's autocrosses are AWESOME in comparison to the local SCCA events in Dallas... 8 runs plus fun runs with BMWCCA versus 3 for the SCCA.

For SCCA elite, of course, it's not the same thing - but it's a good place to get seat time!

 

Our SCCA only allows for four runs and for a bunch of months we were unable to have fun runs. If you are new to autocross you really need more seat time and if you are doing changes to your MINI you'll need to adjust for each upgrade along the way.

Over time, about 6 months you'll get a feel for your car but you'll still have to learn how to walk the course and drive it cold the first few times.

8 runs seems really nice- lucky you have that in your area.
Enjoy.