Thanks everyone for the feedback -- it's much appreciated.
It sounds like the NJMP event is the best bet for me.
There's been a long discussion of appropriate brake pads for the track under the ice mode thread (and others), but do you have an inexpensive recommendation for a newbie? Also, this is probably a dumb question, but I gather that street use and track use are mutually exclusive, so if they're changed out beforehand, is it safe to drive to the track with them? I ask because we're in temporary housing and everything but basic tools (like hammer, screwdriver and pliers) is in storage, there's no garage, and I've never changed brake pads or fluid in any case. I'm just wondering about the best way to handle logistics; have a mechanic change them beforehand, or do they need to be done at the track.
BTW, the car has Continental Contact Ex
treme DWS tires on it now. Will that pose any problems?
I will have to investigate the price of the oil cooler + install and weigh against the likelihood of my doing this more than once...
Thanks again for the advice, guys.