Thanks for the hints.
This was pretty much the theory I was going by which was stay on your wheels, don't get marshalled and make it around the track. Then as I get more laps into the race I'm able to add more speed in specific sections I'm comfortable with.
Quick question about breaking.. I've been trying to break a little before the corners so I can roll threw then "on power exit". However I noticed some going in fast, slamming the breaks then on power exit. Which way do you feel is better?