A big
for Mad-Wolfie's post - spot on! I've recently watched young drivers at both club level and at the Clubman's trying to pedal a 13.5 boosted car and been amazed at their lack of skill, technique and finesse. Their cars are an uncontrolled crash waiting to happen, and you don't have to wait long!
I cannot think of any other sport or hobby where any competitor would dream of going straight in at the top. Even golfers start with a limited range of clubs in the bag on a simple course. They all practice and let their talent take them where they can go. There are some Formula Ford racers in their 40s and 50s who still race that class because they can do it, and don't rush off to buy a drive in F3 or Formula Renault.
Chris, I have a Corally Black 19T motor with spare brushes lying in my box that could do with a good home. It's in excellent condition, trued comm, etc. You will have to true it after every meeting as these things do eat brushes and comms if you're slack on maintenance. I would be delighted to think that someone is getting some use from it so, although this is probably not good form to give things away, if you're interested please PM me.
Having watched some excellent racing at the Bedworth Clubmans from drivers in the 17.5 blinky class, that's probably your next step up if the mood takes you. The best motor/speedo combination I saw was a Hobbywing Extreme Stock and a Reedy Sonic motor. That's less than £140 as a combo and it will be as fast as anything else.
I hope you enjoy your racing, as you certainly have the right attitude to it!
