Be sure to have fun, thats what it's all about. Be ready though, especially when you stage. They drop the lights fast where I run so when you light up the staging lights so be prepared. I personally didn't go for reaction times and I wouldn't really worry about it for your first time, just too much to focus on when your trying to make a good clean pass. I just went on the green, giving me a little more time to be prepared and not worry about redlighting. Just be sure to slip the clutch when you leave instead of dumping it (like I tend to do.) If you dump it you'll spin or bog for sure. As for launching, I launch at about 2g give or take, but you'll have to experiment with your car on your own. Try messing around on the way over and get a good idea where to start. I'd say try about 2-2500rpm. Good luck man!