You cannot be self conscious when you do any sport for the 1st time. Everyone including myself looked like a fool out there - although I took 1st place at my 1st event, but like I said everyone adapts differently to each sport.

Don't worry about getting 1st because you will not. Worry about getting seat time, seat time, seat time, seat time, seat time, seat time, seat time, *infinity. You can never get TOO much.

Stay late and help out (I love it when people can help clean up the course and truck), ask questions, ask if an instructor can ride with you, ask if an instructor can drive your car, ask if you can ride in someone's car. Don't be meek about asking. Autocrossers are one of the most helpful motorsports people around. We're not getting paid to do this, we're not getting MAJOR CORPORATE sponsors. We're doing this because we have fun.

But also remember to be HUMBLE. Too many people let autocrossing get to their heads and they act like "I'm the SHIAT".

The only thing you should worry about when autocrossing is:

1. Having fun
2. Make sure tire pressures are in the 40s
3. Look ahead
4. Make sure your seat is pulled forward enough so your wrists can rest ontop of the steering wheel
5. HAVE FUN!