LHS = Local Hobby Shop.

Yah, sounds good about that track (makes sense to have a "grip" car, so you aren't left out of the fun!). They may know some drifters in your area. You might try and ask if they will allow some drift time if there are a few more like-minded and equipped folk that would like to do the same. It takes time and patience, like waiting for responses here!
Aberdeen here is wet. I doubt your Aberdeen is as rainy as it is here, especially around this time of the year. Still cold, though....

Yeah? Where in CA? north, central or southern? There ARE differences.