mmi isnt all its cracked up to be....
there is alot more to be said for hands on experience.
i equate it to learning spanish in high school...they teach you the basics, but you wont learn how to speak it unless you make it your environment.
wrenching and motor building are the same...anyone can get a manual and follow the instructions, but its the "tricks of the trade" that can only be learned by doing which will make you a successful tech, or motor builder.
as far as being a race mech. you have to start at the bottom and work you way up..I suggest working for a regional team on a club level basically being a "goffer"....absorb all the knowledge you can, learn the ropes, because the track is a different world than the street. if you work hard and are dedicated then maybe you will move up to the national level.
but trust me, its well worth it....... 8) 8)