Even without the rear bar the novice school/ autox competition in general will make you a better/safer driver on the road. When I have kids they will be autoxing as soon as they have their license (or before if the region has a Formula Jr. class). It's car control at the limit which, sadly, is never taught in drivers ed.
Tony - Spun my car in the wet too, always learing, always learning. Having a big ego when it comes to driver skill just gets you dead sooner.