Just do enough to be compliant with the regs then get sprinting. Before my first season I spent a while pondering upgrades and car changes, but decided to just go with the car I had - I just added new Avons, petty strut (I have one for slightly older cars if you want it) and bought a race suit, helmet and gloves. Your first few events will see you make big improvements, but it will be nothing to do with the car, it's a great learning process. I then made changes after my first season when I knew more about what was required, and could then feel the improvement. It was quite a big change in fairness, I changed the car! But that's not what everyone does. I have just competed my 4th season, and can't wait to get started again in March. We are a friendly bunch so there is always plenty of advice and help around. Hopefully see you there.