Tin-Man,
Just to make sure I haven't forgot your plight, don't give up! A lot of us have had this type of experience - dare I say it is normal? Each one of these creations is unique and reflects the individuality of the person guiding the construction.
Hang in there - you'll look back on this episode and someday (probably not real soon but soon enough) be able to laugh about it.
Buzz,
No technique for me at the race track. Actually the same as on the street: put it in drive and drive. I use two feet; one for the brake one for the go pedal. My oldest son who has driven it extensively at the track only uses his right foot.
Interestingly, he and I often steer the car using only the accelerator when we are driving at 8 or 9 tenths: it's a Zen state that transcends reality when it happens - kind of like a dream state; some would describe it as "being in the zone." The car is predictable, brakes well and is a dream to drive on the track once you figure out the correct way to do it.
The "zone" only seems to happen for me once in a long while. When it does it is most welcome. I'm a slow learner and waaay linear - my brother in law said I could easily win a "can't walk and chew gum at the same time contest" which explains the automatic in my car. The fact that there is, um, adequate horsepower helps a lot. If I had to learn heel and toe and shifting I'd be years learning the basics. With the automatic I can remember right=go, left=stop and concentrate on learning the line and braking points.
Anyway that's the short version. If you want the full one, a couple of single-malts might be necessary
Tom