Re block heaters: I ran an oil pan heater on all of my fast stuff(PM, OL10.5,et ..) for the last 20+ years. Pre heating the engine is always a good thing to do before initial start up. So, to me, the block heater is a perfectly logical option to have on a one seat car that might likely live its life either in a trailer or on a dragstrip.
Fwiw Ron - if I'd come across this car before you did it might well live in TN right now. Awesome find IMO! 👏