Mostly family (personal not professional) portriats and kiddos sporting events

I have an original Sony A-100 at the moment and I don't care for the image quality.  I can fumble my way around my camera but in no sense am I a pro.  I plan on whichever camera I end up with next to enroll in a photography class at a local college so I can utilize the camera.  I don't want an overly complicated camera since the wife will also want to use the camera to photograph my auto racing.  If either of these don't fit the bill for what I am asking about feel free to add other suggestions.