[Nonfractal]

When visiting a club as a new guy, there are 4 stages to get to the sharp end. 

1.Initially, do  what the top guys are doing.
Copy their car, motor, tyre, controller , guide, braid Selection.
You should make a decision to cannibalise some of your cars to dedicate to running at the club track.
Save your individuality for car colours and liveries. The mechanics should be straight copies of known winning cars.
Listen to the winners and ignore the squawking monkeys. 
If the winners are using sponges, use sponges! 

2. You'll find that even with the right kit, you won't be winning.
Next step is to optimise the setup of the cars 
Ride height, guide depth , axle height, tyre prep, and other tuning methods will slowly get the car to behave like a winner

3. Put in the laps and look for options to improve the cars 
Laps and laps and laps. Learn your  racecraft. Learn how to put in multiple races without any DeSlots.

4. Look for loopholes 
Are there any gaps in the rules that you can leverage?
- are there any cars that no one else races in a particular class that might be better?
- are there tyres that might be better?
- is there an alternative motor  that meets spec but has better characteristics?

Finally, when you're consistently in the top third, visit other clubs and repeat he process.
All experience makes you a better driver and better tuner.

Don't expect these steps to be made quickly. Diligence and Patience is needed. 

Alan