Good luck. You will learn as was already spoken above.
At this point the learning will move you ahead but your GOAL should be three things; seat time, seat time and seat time.
Don't ever give up >seat time< because of lack of preparation or not being ready. You'll learn just as much running something with a defect in it, as you will running something which is perfect.
Like Paulkish said ,seat time...and learn the tire game,,,down south its all about tires...good luck.....have fun....
There is some info here that may help you: http://nogoats.net/no-goats-setup-sheets/
We've run at BJ's, Ten Mile and Parkerhill. Maybe we'll meet up some time this summer. There's lots of good guys out there willing to help. Me included. I live up in Haughton,LA.