As one of CRAM's occasional Hobie 18 sailors, I can tell you that we don't much care if you've got wings or not, we're just happy to have another boat to race against!
The wings are more of a hinderance than a help in racing anyways, though I believe the SCHRS system CRAM uses is able to handicap for it in some way. As someone who just started racing 3 years ago or so, I can tell you it's an absolute blast! It's amazing when you get alongside a similar/identical boat, and just can't seem to keep up with them... It definitely allows you to gauge how well you can truly sail the boat, and gives you the motivation and the means to improve your skills, far beyond what you can do alone. You just get to a point where you can't improve further without another boat to compare against.
I think racing SOUNDS more intimidating than it is. As long as you take the time to understand the courses (there are boom/mast stickers that help), basic right of way, and the start sequence (another mast sticker), it's all pretty straightforward. Your first few races, you can just give the other boats a little room until you get the hang of things. But having sailed my boat for 7 years and raced for 3, I can easily say that I've never had more fun with it on the water than when racing other boats!
If you're even a little interested, you should at least join CRAM's facebook group & group chats. James Derck, their main "marketing" guru, does a pretty good job of letting everyone know when there are a couple of Hobie 18's interested in an event and drumming up a few more attendees! It also wouldn't be a bad idea to throw your name in the ring for crew or committee boat... it's a great way to get more acquainted with racing if you're still not sure about trying it yourself.