another thing- if it is a small track, and you get there early, see if you can have a chat with the starter. Let him know it is your first time, and that you'd would appreciate a bit of help. Keep your eye on him even if you do not talk to him. The guys running the water box at Englishtown, for example, are usually very good. They will put you in the right spot to start your burnout, let you know when to "hit it" and then let you know when to let off. Of course you can just do your routine and not completly follow their guidence such as a shorter or longer burnout. Sometimes they will even motion you (hand waving up, or thumbing up) to give a bit more throttle. When they know you are a rookie they will even help you into the beams.