The grip is good if you run later in the day....I was 5th car out, so it was a bit slick, but awesome on Sunday.
I'm not too worried about practice starts....its so easy in my car, 3500 rpm, side-step it at the 3rd yellow, and foot to the floor until you have to turn.
We'll be trailering the MR2, so I don't know if we'll be able to keep up with you on the highway, but we'll see. I'll let you know whats going on as i figure it out.