Get up on the stand and watch the fast/smooth guys. Try to copy their lines, go as slow as you have to in order to hold those lines and make all the obstacles without crashing.
Checkout their hands.
Throttle finger is almost never pegged, always moving.
Try a mod motor in practice, stock will be a cakewalk in comparison.
Don't use a pro's setup if you don't drive like a pro.
Kit setups are easiest to drive for average racers.
Start tuning when you really know what you need.
Get help finding your setup.
START WITH THE RIGHT TIRES IS #1!