the most important tip anyone can give you is have fun, and don't expect miracles your first 10 to 15 runs.
now i'm not a pro with auto's but putting it down to first and taking it through your gears is probably the best way to go, and get your rpms up while your on the line. also don't leave on the green, leave on the 3rd yellow
ya i know your not expecting much but don't be too shocked if you don't get your rated times. i know my first couple of times out i was doing 1 - 2 seconds slower then what i should have been for my car. just takes some practice. oh and if you want a little extra help, lower your front tire pressures a bit (these you will have to play around with, to find out whats best for you and your car)
ya i used to do that in my old works cavalier, but that thing was beat all to hell, we would red line the poor thing, fish tail around corners. you think of it, chances are we did it to that poor cavalier