As both a regular IMAC and SCAT competition flier I would like to see an engine size restriction for the basic class, say 50cc. I remember when I started out flying against 40% machines, fortunately I had an excellent mentor who convinced me it was the pilot (to a large degree) and not the airplane that made the difference in the lower classes.(Basic and sportsman)
Wanting to have all your events less than 3 hours drive and one nights stay away is just not going to happen! There are just not that many Scale Aerobatic fliers in the USA. My minimum travel time to a competition is a 5 to 6 hour drive and a 2 night stay. Don't just look at a competition in terms of flight time. Use the time to learn from other competitors, everyone I know is more than willing to share their knowledge. ( This isn't a pattern contest!)
Volunteer to scribe and learn to judge, another very good way to improve your flying skills. There is much more to a competition than the 6 or 8 flights you make over the course of a weekend.