Was planning entering some SE Qld sprint series events, along with the occasional track day.
Do you think that would justify using fully adjustable coilovers?

I don't understand how changing the ride height would affect the handling all that much.... On a 1200 ute anyway.

Preload was something we used to play around with a lot when I was into road bikes, but this was critical as the centre of gravity is a major consideration when setting up a bike.
I'm pretty inexperienced when it comes to car suspension though & don't know if the same rules apply.