Advice for beginner wanting get into drag racing?

Thinking about finally going to a track this summer. I have never raced in my life. In addition to safety concerns and mechanical issues, I guess in all honesty I also don't want to look stupid in front of people. Is that normal?

Before considering this further I am trying to educate myself before going anywhere near a track. I was looking for some good literature to read. I found these two books. ( How to Drag Race and How to Hook and Launch ). I have some of their other books on Holley carbs etc and they are good quality.

Are these a good start in terms of reference? Or is there a drag racer bible so to speak of what everyone uses?

[ame="http://www.amazon.ca/How-Drag-Race-McKenna-Kevin/dp/161325072X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400288323&sr=8-1&keywords=How+to+drag+race"]How to Drag Race: McKenna Kevin: 9781613250723: Books - Amazon.ca[/ame]

[ame="http://www.amazon.ca/How-Hook-Launch-Traction-Street/dp/1934709352/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400288732&sr=8-1&keywords=How+to+hook+and+launch"]How to Hook & Launch: Traction Mods for Street & Strip: Dick Miller: 9781934709351: Books - Amazon.ca[/ame]

What is the best way to approach drag racing for someone who has never done it.....is older...and not as reckless as he used to be! Lol! Any sites or literature you would recommend? Do they have racing lessons at tracks?

I did a search on beginners and novice on here but could not find anything.

I was hoping there was a Drag Racing Basics sticky thread or something similar.

Thanks in advance.