Definitely turn off the traction control and try to launch it at 2500-3000 rpm. Depending on how well/badly the track is prepped, you will have to adjust your launch rpm accordingly.
Make sure you're slipping the clutch, because "if your tires are spinnin, you ain't winnin."
You don't wanna bog the car either, so do the see-saw and add some gas as you're clutching out.
So what you want is, launching at the highest possible rpm without losing traction.
When your 60ft times are under 2 seconds, you've done well.
Then when you get comfortable with the car and track, you can play with tire pressures.
(i.e. lower the rear tire pressures and raise the fronts)
Low pressure means more traction but also more rolling resistance and vice versa. And since our cars are RWD, you want to find a happy medium for the rears (usually about 30 or so) and I wouldn't go much higher than 40 for the fronts since the limit is 44 or so.
As for shift points, our cars peak out at about 5800 rpm, so shifting at redline should suffice.
And remember to leave the car in 3rd gear as you cross the stripe. 4th and 5th are no good if you have stock gears.
I would leave the mufflers on as there are little/no power gains to be had by removing the mufflers on a NA engine.
If you want to shed the weight, you can remove the spare tire and jack and the subwoofer if your car has the shaker 1000. You can also remove the front swaybar.
Have fun out there and good luck. Let us know how you did.