ALWAYS buy the best from the start (if possible). U will not have to spend as much money in the long run, and wont want to be hopping up all the time. u will also have the "better" car

do a nice clean glue job and keep it really neat. the rounder the better

Keep your stuff neat, always easier to find something

clean your car after every race meet, u will notice for minor cracks, etc. will likely not be as bad in the long run