dammmm !!! i must have missed this post but youll do great ben, if id a known i would of sent you my tires, just be causious on 18's, rims tend to get munched quick in the desert. definitly fuel after each lap, not sure what tank you have but its always a safe measure. camel back is a must too, and at the pits have a fresh set of goggles waiting. a small but usefull tool kit for on course repairs is helpfull but dont bring the rollaway, mabey a small ballpeen hammer for your rims, just incase. beats looking for a rock !! stay relaxed and flow with it, you tense up and your done=no kung foo grip !! another tip, i use filter skins in the desert, put about 3 on there and at the pit yank one off and its clean, if it is dusty. well hell, your probley gone off to race allready so good luck hommie.