I'll add:
As you are going down the track, you *may* lose traction. Be alert for the feeling of the rear end drifting sideways. Street tires on a race track can be a tricky ride...as there are lots of burnt rubber deposits on the track. With street tires, the rubber on the track will be slippery instead of a good thing like you would have if you were running sticky drag tires (where the sticky hot rubber on your drag tires actually "sticks" to the rubber on the prepped track and you have great traction) . If this happens, be prepared to get off the accelerator, correct back to lane-center, and then get back on the gas and finish your pass safely.
Staying in the gas too long if you are slipping sideways on a car with stock suspension can cause you to lose control, spin-out, go into the other lane, hit the wall, etc...Mustangs have the internet nickname of "crowd killer" for a very good reason when the suspension, road condition and driver experience level is not "optimized".
So...on your first several passes, simply have fun and concentrate on getting down the track safely, learning how the sequence of events transpires, and get used to what the tires feel like on the track. Don't go all-out trying to be very fast initially...a nice slow launch and a safe pass or three will build your confidence.
Safety lecture done...now a few more tips:
- Wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt or motorcycle leather jacket if you have one (in case of crash/fire)
- Do NOT run your air conditioner as you pull onto the track...the water dripping (condensate) will make the track wet and you will get yelled at...shut it off before you pull around the water box
- You will have to do your passes with your windows up (safety requirement)
- Go (launch) on the last yellow light before the tree turns green...the light is faster than your reaction time, so if you leave on last yellow you will not "red light" and will leave as quickly as you possibly can
- Again, know who has the right-of-way (vs the other lane)...don't cut off a car coming up too fast behind you if you won/beat them and are ahead and must cross their lane to exit...stay in your lane until the exit point and make sure you are not cutting them off if they are coming at you and still slowing...you never know if they have had a brake failure or other mechanical issue and are unable to stop until you determine their speed is under control
Tell people you are new and they will give you tips, coach you, watch you...track officials are very nice too...don't be afraid to tell them it is your first pass and they will talk you through it.