I have been doing open track days for 5 years or so. I feel the key to success, is taking it very slow and learning to be smooth. Brake, accelerate, and shift smoothly. I haven't mastered heal and toe downshifting, and I will not try it on the track. I will practice that on the street with my daily driving to get it down before trying it on the track where if I don't get it right, can upset the car. I feel it is best not to try new techniques (unless you are trying to shift or brake hard while in the corners) until one gets some track experience. I have seen many cars crashs due to inexperience and not being smooth.