^ Don't worry about any of that now. Ride smooth, predictably, and protect your front wheel. Try to stay with the wheel in front of you. Don't let gaps form. Most importantly, keep the rubber side down.
After you've finished a couple of races, you'll start to get a feel for things, and can start thinking about tactics.
Also look at the sticky thread on top of the Racing sub forum.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.