The system does actually give a point for completing a race. This is because race experience counts for something. Racing in a pack, becoming spacially aware of other drivers, learning to heed blue flags and yellow flags, learning the ideal lines of a track (even if you can't make the car follow them).. racecraft.. it's all going in your noggin, as you go from completely inexperienced to "not a complete noob".
Feasibly, you can make it to the Public Silver & Gold server without ever finishing in a podium position, but in the worst case scenario of finishing last in every race to get there, you'll have 1300 races on STCC servers under your belt. If, in that time, you haven't attracted the attention of the admins I think it's probably fair to say you've earned your seat, even if you're not the fastest driver out there