The headlights are OEM originals that have been "baked" open and the housing painted a flat black. Then was rebaked to melt the silicone glue to the lenses which were polished & clear coated. The problem with aftermarket headlights is the clearcoat or the lack there of or thin layer of it. Once the clearcoat is gone, the headlights begin to yellow or get all hazed over.
As for racing, I did some autocrossing over @ Willow Springs a few times and it was so much fun. It's just not tire life friendly.
Front plate, for about 3 years now I haven't had any issues with no front plate. I suppose I have been lucky, but I do plan on putting the front plate back on as I'm slowly going back to OEM stock. I suppose I need a change as I have gotten bored modding wise with the Matrix. It's just normal maintenance now, and daily driving. I do plan on replacing the OEM shocks & struts to aftermarket Tokico "Blues" which should make for a smoother but still lowered ride, but tires are next on the list where I have maybe another year left on the Bridgestone Potenzas.