Ive did a few AutoX's and some at faster tracks( 70~) and i learned alot. After the first one i was all into "getting more parts to do better." Then i realized that i dont need parts. i need practice! I would say run a half a dozen events even before looking to add parts( unless its tires) I noticed i would always run my car ar roughly(4k rpm). In the powerband right? So i can floor it out of the corner and be quicker. That wasnt the case, i would smoke the 275's out of every corner. I got some advice from other fellows to step it up a gear and this greatly helped. I was lower in the RPM, the car was less jerky, i didnt shift as much( less error to upset the car) and just starting out, it was the best advice i got. It let me focus more on driving rather than pounding the gears and going fast on the straights. It seemed so much slower as the stang didnt roar around every corner, but it ended up being a faster time because it was more controlled. Also, if you can find someone to take some pics and vids of you at the track! Heres just one of a few, before i learned to just slow down and be faster, its not all about the right pedal!
When i went, i went with my family friends and all together we had: Air compressor( to pump back up tires after the runs), a HELMET, #'s and Letters for what class you are in, wallet and $$. We also had a canopy because it was fairily hot out and then we had somewhere to park. try to find an autocross only site or a forum for that event and ask. -Jon
-Jon