When you roll up to the boat ramp (entry to the salt) you will stop and get your paperwork and wristband for entry. When you get out to the salt, find a spot to set up your pit. Pitting next to someone who looks like a regular can be very helpful, everyone is very friendly. Once you have your spot set up, head to the registration trailer. You fill out forms, turn them back in and get info on the rookie orientation meeting. Very useful meeting, you will get a tour of the staging areas and the course so you know where to go. Tech inspection begins on the first day. Very long line, usually in the hot sun. Also very interesting to see all the bikes and get to know folks. That said I tend to wait for the first day of racing (i.e., the second day) to tech my bike to avoid the line. If you are running in a gas class you will want to buy gas next and get your tank sealed. Bring a large wad of cash. It's hugely expensive for the fuel guys to come out and sell the piddling few gallons that fill the moto tanks out there. I paid $50 a gallon for A8D last time.
I bring my truck out to staging because I have a shop with all my tools in it, but you don't need to. Truck does not chase, I ride to staging and back to the pits/impound as do most racers. There are popups for shade, chairs and water at the starting line.
One of my favorite tips - if you wear one piece leathers bring a belt. That way you can take off the top half of your leathers to stay cool without your pants falling around your ankles.
Best time to run for a record is the very start of the day. The air is cool and dense. Plan on getting up in the dark and getting to the salt by 6:30-7 if you think you can qualify. Other than that the pace is very relaxed. There is plenty of time to walk around and look at other bikes and meet other racers.
