My first run at the track was about a month ago. I ran my rear tires at 25psi, and had my best luck launching from 2000RPM giving me a
12.4@119MPH time on a poorly prepped track.
I would definitely NOT choose to keep the gas down between shifts. Power-shifting is not for first-timers like us. It can quickly destroy the clutch and tranny if not done right.
And you can make better gains on your first time out just getting used to the timing on the lights, shifting through all of the gears correctly, and getting a good launch.
Watch a couple drivers run through the lights, and ask around about tips if you have never been drag racing at all.
Drive around the water troughs, not through them.
Street tires don't need a burnout, but you may want to spin them briefly to clean them off before the run.
And go on the third yellow on the drag racing tree, don't wait to see the green light because it takes most people's brains a 1/2 second to react and actually step on the gas, once you see the light.
-Dean.