RE: Northern CA racing
There are AMA 424 and AMA 428 club races held at the Livermore flying field (EBRC). These races are casual in nature, however they will give you (and your caller) some on course practice. Turn lights and cut judges at pylon 1 are utilized and typically the starter will clip ya for a blatant cut at 2 or 3. No heat by heat points are kept, just bragging rights. Go to the EBRC website for the latest dates. Typically these are held the weekend prior to a LA or Medford race so us traveling folks can shake some cobwebs off. The 424 stuff does take priority over 428. Thus if they have a good 424 turnout, 428 may not be flown. New racers alway welcome.
Tom Hegland