Experience is the greatest training tool, for sure. Unless you're Sixers... -_-

I finished 49th in my first race at Sylvan Island, then 15th this year after a full year of racing. I was definitely in better condition, but I didn't blast it out of the gate like last year and I knew my limits and how to stay within them. Last year I finished 27th at Jubiliee, arguably the most difficult course in the series, and this year I placed 14th because I slowed down a little bit (and the field was 1/2 the size).

Expect to finish your first race, and that should be your goal. Figure out your limits. I don't know if you plan on hitting any other races or not.