first time down the track advise?

1st, make sure the car will pass tech. Battery anchored, radiator overflow, 2 carb springs, less than 12 inches of fuel line hose in one spot, and if you tell them your planning on going faster than 14 flat you'll need a snell helmet, seat belts are needed.
2nd, bring a few tuning tools (timing light, 1/2 inch wrench, couple of screw drivers, etc.).
3rd, If you have special compound tires, heat them up. Yes you can heat one tire, roll out a couple of feet and burn the other. If not, avoid the water. The tree matters none if you T-n-T'n. However, I'd leave when the 2nd yellow goes off. As far as shifting, you can play with that and compare whats best.
4th - HAVE FUN