On the Line
There is a path around every racetrack that is considered to be the fastest and safest way to negotiate each corner. This is called the racing line, and it is what you will be striving to learn when you begin driving a new track. As you pull out onto the track for the first time, don't get sucked into trying to keep up with the drivers who already know the track.
Your first few laps should be at half speed, pointing faster cars by as you try to imprint your brain with the patterns of the racetrack. Each corner is different, although sometimes as you are just beginning to learn your way around, several may look the same and you may lose track of where you are on the circuit. Be patient and eventually things will start to make sense.
Racetracks have a rhythm or flow to them, and when you tap into that it will all go much smoother. Then you need to begin to concentrate on the portions of the track that don't flow smoothly, as they can catch you out when you begin to go faster. It is much safer to begin by driving each corner on a line with a later-than-normal apex. Although this will be a bit slower at first, it will be safer as it will leave you with extra room on the exit of the corner to make up for any mistakes you made going into the corner.
As this is your first session on a new track, it also doesn't hurt to come in a lap or two before the checkered flag to check under the hood for oil leaks or any other problems that might not be evident when you are driving the racecar.
In the Wheel Tracks of Greatness
As your racing weekend progresses at a new track, it is important to remember the heroes who raced there in the past. Often the track store will have a history book written about the track that you can add to your library and use to learn more about the facility. By the time you have made the trek from the hotel to the track and eaten at a few of the local places, you will also begin to feel like this new place is becoming a familiar place.
Hopefully, if all goes right and the racing gods cooperate, at the end of the race meeting you will still have a workable racecar and will be ready to begin the long trip home. You will have committed another racetrack to your memory and will be able to nod wisely when someone mentions feats of daring that the track has seen. You've been there and you've done that and you have raced in the wheel tracks of greatness.