yes, you are doing several things wrong.
Don't panic though, it's a little tricky to get into at first, but well worth the effort and your 'real' racing will thank you for it !
SO, first of all, go download a setup.
Look under my profile and download my Oslo 10th scale Serpent touring setup, that works nicely.
Second, go practice and adjust the view, I like far out for close and in a bit closer for far away.
Then lastly, learn the tracks ! that's the most important bit I guess, other than having fun !