oye, just leave it in automatic mode, stock shift points are already optimised and as long as you arent starting from a roll it should upshift just fine, it just takes a while to notice when you want to downshift.

BUT since this is going to be on a 1/4 mile track as it should be or otherwise the thread will be closed just leave it in auto mode. and just a reminder, take it easy on that car the transmission has a tendancy to, well, be very very unreliable