In novice class, Your times are compared against all novices regardless of class, using a handicap (PAX) and usually have similar levels of preparation in terms of equipment. (most novices are running setups not prepared to the maximum allowances of the rules.) Using the other novices as a guage, you can tell how you are doing, and compare that bar to the open class. If you've placed at the top of the novice rankings a couple times, it's probably time to run open class. Sometimes people that have been out of Autoxing for a while feel they should run Novice class; They should just step up and run open

. If it's your first time, or first season, or are not sure what you are doing, or need some assistance, this is where to go to make sure people know to help you out if you look lost. Some people in open just look lost, like me :
If you're not sure which class to run in, just ask some folks in line or at the Reg desk when you arrive. You can also ask the Chief Novice (Novice Instructor) Who is PJ, I think.. or at least he can help. Look for the Flat Black 240sx with REALLY big tires and phat fender flares.
Hope that helps!
-Dave