Before you go on the track make sure you have at least a few A/X under your belt.
The next one in (y)our neck of the woods is March 21st:
http://www.babblers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10732
Othwerwise check the requirements by the clubs:
NCRC for example only lets you run if you have a rollbar extension or a hardtop other clubs are OK with running with the top up.
In addition to all the equipment already mentioned I would also get some decent driving gloves, especially when it's warm they will help you keeping a good grip on the steering wheel