RE: Taxiing in the pitts...
At our club field we Have a starting table placed about 10 feet to the side and 5 feet behind each pilot station. This allows the pilot to start his aircraft, set it down and taxi it a short distance to the runway while remaining very close (approx 3 strides) to his pilot station. That way no aircraft is taxied behind anyone on the flight line.
Our pit area is about 40-50 feet back from the starting tables. This is where planes are assembled and fueled but never started.
They are then Brought to the starting tables (or next to the starting tables if the pilot chooses to start his ship on the ground) to be fired up.
Still further back, behind the assembly pit area, is the spectator fence.