[Paul Field]

Hi
The simulator is called Virtual RC, just search for vrc.com.
It doesn't have buggies yet but it does have short course trucks.
It will help you a lot with the amount of practice you can do and you don't wear your car out. From my experience of running a club and helping lots of beginers over 20 years would say 2 race meetings a week would see you progress to a competent level in about 6 months. As everyone else has said the key is to drive without crashing at a speed you are happy with. Then you will gradually go faster without even noticing.

Have fun.

Paul