Custom startup script for apache - where to put them
 

I have a simple startup script for apache, but where is the de facto place to put it?

its currently in /root/bin/apache_start

any tips?

You could put the commands in /etc/rc.d/rc.local or create a service using chkconfig.

so there's no real standard recommended way of doing it?

Chkconfig is probably the standard way on Redhat based distros. You can find out more about making your scripts work with chkconfig in the LQ Wiki.