good news and bad news
Apply for the NHRA license now. You'll need a physical. Not sure if you need more than that. You need a license for 9.99 and faster IIRC. Get familiar enough witht he car that without your eyes open you can touch each switch and control. Get seat time at a track rental rather than a test and tune... The atmosphere is much more conducive to learning and it's the best time to make license passes without a crowd or being rushed. After a few times you will be comfortable with everything. Oh yeah... Don't move the steering wheel much when you launch or when it comes down!!!