Here's some hope for ya: I placed 6th in my first-ever race last summer, a 4-corner flat crit. If I'd had any sprint at all, I'd have had 5th easily (I was coming by the guy, but slowly, as we hit the finish line).
Stay upright, stay on the road, ride as smooth and predictable as you can. Also manage expectations: I'm not at all serious about racing. All I want to do is ride safely, have a good time, get a good workout, and finish the race -- in that order of importance. In my limited experience I've found that if I'm out there focused on those 4 things, then I do pretty well. Good luck!