Any tips, new to drag racing?
If you need new tires you have to decide how much street driving you really want to do with it. The biggest difference between street tires, drag radials or slicks is how long they will last. As was stated earlier do your research.
Ask racers at the track or on the forum what tires they use and how long they last. I am not sure on drag radials but I would lean toward them, only if you need them though. When you get your car take lots of pics and post them on here and we will continue to help out.
As far as a partial tub on your car he could mean mini tubbing. That just means he kept the original wheel wells and widened them by adding a 2 or 3 inch strip in the middle. It is an easy way to put in bigger tires. But you won't need to worry about that yet. You can fit in big enough tires in the stock wheel well right now.
Also remember to search our site for past posts on subjects that you are looking for answers on, there is a lot of great info on here.
Keep asking questions.
Did you decide on a mentor yet?