If my FTP is 200 and I’m racing a 1.5 hour MTB race, ideally should I strive to have my normalized power be above, below or right at my FTP?
Assuming everything is set up correctly and the normalisation is good then you will not be able to ride for 1.5hrs with a NP above your threshold.
So aim just below 
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You kinda get screwed on power numbers on the mtb. This is from a race today…my ftp is 268. Compare the power to my hr. Hard effort and I got one fitness “point” out of it.
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TSS gets the short end too. 400w and 0w average to a nice easy 200w right? RiGhT? 
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We always say NP for show AP for dough. As was said by the other person MTB and power averages either NP or AP can often be distorted. Try playing with different screen layouts on bike computer in terms of average. Have a look at this link for some ideas Garmin Screen Setup for Mountain Bike Training with Power - LW Coaching
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Yeah I wouldn’t focus too much on power numbers for MTB races, unless there are long climbs; the efforts are so spiky it’s just a totally different ballgame. Also highlights how different the muscular and metabolic demands of MTB are to road!
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Just start the garmin and put it in the pocket and hammer it out for 1.5hrs? Or should I monitor HR?
IME there is no utility to monitoring power data during an MTB race. I also find it near impossible to actually focus on power data without crashing. I do often have HR data visible in a large and easy to read field, and find it somewhat useful in gauging effort. But yeah, in general just start the Garmin and use it as a recording device, not an in-race feedback device.
I race with RPE, occasionally looking at my heart rate to see if my heart rate matches how I feel. Sometimes I use that as a “I’m not pushing as hard as I thought” (when I sitting at like 150) or on other times “Ok, I guess I am going hard” when I’m seeing 170’s. But it’s still mostly just perceived effort.
I did a race recently where the start was at about 8000’. Power numbers there are meaningless when I train at sea level. After the race was over, even though I had a good race, looked like a relaxing day.
Mostly agree for short XCO stuff, but I find pacing with power helpful in marathon events. Provides a nice sanity check early and a good carrot late.
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I feel like you should get more training stress for mtb riding. It seems like it is based on a road ride where you were coasting half the time. But your hr is pegged and you are getting no credit for it?