Weight, tires, and driver are the biggest factors in autocross - horsepower can factor in on bigger courses, but it's still not a trump card even then.
The biggest thing starting out is getting seat time - both driving and riding. Find experienced guys, tell them you're just getting started, ask for a ride and get them to ride with you. Some clubs will do schools where an instructor will even take your car for a lap, which can be very eye-opening.
Point being, someone who's got experience instructing can tell you more after one or two runs than you'll learn in 5-10 events searching for time on your own.
Get video of your runs and watch them after the event is over, and find other people's videos. You can compare your lines, braking points, etc.
There's 100 other things, but that's what helped me out the most starting out. Most of all, make friends and have fun.
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Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
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