Sweet!  We always love some fresh meat!   As I'm sure you know, most of us are definitely Motoseries enthusiasts.  That's where I started and I haven't found the need to leave since, although I've done track days with a bunch of other orgs along the way.  Nelson is our much-loved home track, and yes it's bumpy, but fun as hell and eventually you really don't even think about that crap.  Pitt Race is also a fun track and pretty easy to learn.  Motoseries also has top-notch instruction available (unless you get fucked and get Craig) and really sets you up to be a great rider.  I've actually somehow never ridden Mid O (probably because we don't race there), but I know a bunch of us are planning on hitting a few days this year.  I live in Cleveland but will be in Columbus this summer, and there are track guys everywhere in between.  Shouldn't be a problem to ride share to just about any event you want to hit, just post up in here.  And I know my friends have brought dogs to the track, and its never been a problem as long as they are generally not vicious killers and are kept on a leash/chain (although it's easier if you have a non-rider with you to hang out in the pits with the pup).   Anyway, welcome, and hope you don't mind pissing away large amounts of money! haha