If it's your first year, there's more to learn than you realize.
And I agree, you should take the time to learn how to WIN, or you'll be pack fodder forever.
It's not just about going fast. Or hanging with the big dogs.
My58vw, if you think that moving up will be safer, remember that YOU may be the hairy one in the 4's race.
Think of it this way:
When you were in 2nd grade, you looked over to the big kid's playground and you thought it would be great to be over there.
But when you were in 6th grade, you didn't want any 2nd graders coming over to play on your playground.