First time at track. Advice?
....nobody except yourself finds your accomplishments cool.......I don't know what more to say after the K car statement.
I only own my cars for me and my family, not for others. Compliments are nice, but I don't look for them nor do I need others approval for anything I do to my cars. PERIOD.
YOU, on the other hand, are worried what the folks in the stands think (you stated that).... and THAT, my friend, is a miserable, sad life worrying about others giving you a little gold sticky star for what it is that you are trying to do... (and in your case, the more you do the slower you go .... it's what you stated :D )
And IF I can help someone or encourage someone in our hobby along the way, I will gladly do it!!!
For you, I just helped you in another way IF you will take the time to read into it, and see how miserable it is trying to be a people pleaser, and jump on the side of those that try to intimidate others.... and as you can see, it didn't work! The OP goes to the dragway, disregarding you and your intimidating buddy, blows the both of you out of the water, and without regards to either of you, is looking into the 12's...
This is how you enjoy the hobby :)