Do not be disapointed about being in the lowly half of the field. Most of the people you are racing against have a few more years of racing behind them that you have. Experience counts- as you found out on your second lap of the race with no dabs or falls. I used to race but no longer. I came to my senses and do longer rides than sprints for 20 k that I can no longer do.

But even on my enduro rides- experience counts- I can look at a section of track and find the quick line- or the sensible line- or even the comfortable line. It pays off after 50 miles when you start passing the 25 year old Hares that are running out of steam.

Keep racing and keep enjoying it- but rather you than me nowadays.