the safety gear is there for just that. your safety.
at minimum, get the full cage, it'll help the car's rigidity as well as save your ass. get the neck collar, gloves, etc. you'll need them. When I used to run @ SUnshine in the stock susp class they wouldn't let me run without them, even on TnT nights. the next step on my car was the chute and a fire suppression sysytem.
also, you have to remember "only 9's" is still 130+, it's not only the speed, but the fact that your car is under full acceleration at this speed, things get hairy and happen quick..

Take it from someone who's put it into the wall at almost 130, you want the gear.