got the date from the http://www.straightliners.co.uk site here http://www.straightliners.co.uk/community/showthread.php?t=380 (post number 3)
the Straightliners events are for the official times etc if you want to compete, the 23rd March is a RWYB event that is open to everyone
you'll definitely need a helmet as you will be hitting over 100mph by the end of the strip, it's usually £45 to race plus £5 entry but i'm sure they were talking about putting the prices up this year. you'll need your full driving license and it usually starts about 9am ish but you can turn up anytime, you'll just miss the drivers briefing at the start
there's usually nothing like the number of people that go to Santa Pod RWYB days so the queues are minimal if at all!
highly recommended