You know, my first ever race was a flat track event on an 1/8 mile track, but I was 21, not 10. Unfortunately.
I think it’s great you’re getting her started now. What a great confidence builder for a little girl!
Just be there for her and make sure she is confident and as relaxed as possible. Practicing day in and day out is far, far different than suddenly being on the line with other racers and knowing you’re pitting yourself against them. It’s a mental thing and has nothing to do with physical skill or strength, or the terrain at all. If you tell her over and over she’ll do great and kick their butts, that’s what she’ll have in her mind, instead of how difficult and scary it might be. Women don’t respond as well to the football-coaching approach—don’t yell or tell her what she did wrong if she doesn’t do as well as she thinks she should have.
Above all, make sure she has FUN. That’s why we’re all here and that’s the part I always forget whenever I hurt myself.
Just my thoughts—tell her she’ll destroy them all and wish her good luck for me!