[racer]

Unless a helmet liner can be cleaned in place or removed for cleaning, I imagine ANY helmet used in (near) california deserts/heat will be pretty stinky in a few years and will warrent replacement.

Glad to know you found some new info and are better prepared for your event.

Some other tips I would share:

1) Walk the course as much as you can before hand. I've never been a fan of AX maps due to the fact that I can't read the map when I drive the course. You want to know the whole course in your head if possible. how can you do that? walk it.. then walk it again. If they offer a novice/rookie course walk, do that one too.

2) Keep you eyes up. Don't focus on your hood, or fenders.. try to look 2-3-4 gates ahead. The sooner you see what's ahead, the less "re-active" your driving is.

3) If you struggle staying on course, and its allowed, ask for an instructor or experience person to ride with you.

4) If possible, get a ride with a quick person. Worry less about if its the same type of car.. simply watch all they do (hands, feet, eyes etc).

5) have fun!

Do your best to leave at home as much as you can. No need to drive to the event with a car packed with crap. bring a tarp or a large garbage bag to put your stuff in (prevents it from blowing away, getting rained on, filled with sand etc).