First time at the strip for the Dart, results and what I should do for next time?

clamp the front segment of the leaf springs, more rear tire or try varying your tire pressure, if you have a front sway bar disconnect it, some 90/10 front shocks and rancho/caltract adjustable rear shocks.
What track were you at ? I run Island all the time, try running 20 lbs in the drag radials thats what I run on my truck and it works well,as far as the line loc you definitely need one I have one available send me a message.