[Jeff Lee]

I can't see being kicked out of a race for the interior issues. If it is noted by tech, just ask if you can have it corrected by the next race and I'd bet they would say yes.
But on the other hand, it would look nicer if these parts were installed. Personally I would take the time to get them installed.

On the flapper, you can probably find just as many that have it wired open as those that make it functional as designed with both sides of the fence saying it has or has not ever been an issue. But you would definetly have a tech issue if there were no flapper at all. That is something that sticks out like a sore thumb and wont be tolerated. I like Bobby Stevens idea.