I'm preparing for my first DEs this fall as well.
First, check out this video of Patrick Long doing a lap at Road Atlanta - best watched with track map in hand:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-dosPiN14o
I decided a few months ago to get into track driving/DE stuff, but starting from zero, I was worrying about everything. So I joined NASA and started to familiarize myself with the whole experience by showing up as a track worker at their events near me. Since then I've worked events with other groups as well, either at Barber or Road Atl.
Let me just say that I would hate to show up at my first DE without the valuable info I have gained by working events! I highly recommend this as a way to familiarize yourself with the tracks, drivers, instructors, officials, cars, lingo, rules, flags, and just how things go at track events.
Also = for me, I decided that I did not want to do my first DE in a situation where they send out novices & more advanced folks at the same time. Let's just say I learned from what I saw - that IS how NASA does it. And I'm NOT slamming NASA for doing it that way, either. It's fine...for some. But not what I prefer for me.
I decided for me, I'd rather be a little more coddled on my first time out
And there are groups who do it differently, sending novices out in their own groups, and so I took a little more time, did a little more asking around, and found a group doing an event near me that does it that way & signed myself up (TGPR on 10/25). I know the actual run groups will ultimately be determined by who shows up & how they have to space out the track time that day in light of actual attendance. But at least I've chosen a setting that has the highest odds of a novice only group.
I've done several at-speed ride-alongs, also. Working events, it's easy to line up rides. I have to say that the thing I love best about auto sport is that the folks are just great, so helpful, everybody had a first time, and they are all happy to tell you their stories and help in any way they can.
Good luck & have fun! Can't wait to hear your report. I'll be back with mine after 10/25!