I was the first one to run a Saturn at my local track. The car was perfect for the 3/8" mile low bank paved track, and YES, it was 100% to the rule book (the ONLY one in my division). It was the first front drive car I ever ran on a circle track, and I did not think I would like it as much as I did. It is great, someone gets into you in the turn and you just gas and go. The set-up was a little bit of a challenge at first, but I got it figured out quickly. They always made me start in the back (normally 30th or more), and in 20 laps I would always finish in the top 5 with a few wins (if they let me finish) . Soon, a bunch of other Saturns took to the track. Before the Saturn and another car, I ran a Pinto there few years in the same division, but did not do that well (playing by the rules). The sad part was that there are always a few babies you run with that hate to see someone else doing well, and will wreck you for it. I barely had the time to get to the track, but having to fix the car between races was a hassle. I don't regret doing it though, I had a blast and I might return to it one day.
Good luck, have fun, and don't skimp on the safety equipment.
Bill