Summit Super Series Rookie. Any tips??

In your situation I'd prefer to chase. Your competitor has to leave first giving them a chance to red light first handing you an instant win. Also, when chasing the entire race is in front of you which makes it much easier to race the stripe, especially for a novice racer. If I were in your shoes I'd slow it down and run the other class. Let the other guy look over his shoulder.

If you're only having to cut a little bit to make the 6.50 mark, I'd also be looking at how the car will run leaving right at or just above idle. That will help keep you from building too much heat in the trans by stalling the converter for too long. You know, like when you're racing a car that's a couple seconds slower than you.