I'm assuming your just foot braking a automatic, which is the easiest to get used to. Once you've done your burnout, just roll up close to the beams and check where your opponent is. If there close to the beams also you can go ahead and pre stage. Once the're pre staged just play your own game and go in and stage when comfortable, within reason, and don't let them throw you off your game. Same deal if they stage first, you do your deal. Everyone you run will be different but you'll get the hang of it. While your waiting to run, just hang around the line and observe the faster classes and put yourself in there cars. Watch close and pretend it's you in there. You'll pick it up quick. Once you get some experience, just remember, you're not there to be courteous to them, you're there to win.