1) You should ask in the Track forum

2) Spend your money on other things besides a race wheelset. They don't make that big of a difference. For beginners, races are won/lost by seconds and tens of seconds. Race wheels buy you 1/10ths of seconds. Race wheels actually provide the least bang for the buck in performance. A good helmet or shoe booties will make you faster.

3) Having the right equipment will make you faster. Do you have a set of chainrings/cogs?

4) Coaching (even programs you find for free on the Internet) will make you faster.

5) A gym membership combined with the right program will make you faster.

6) Going to the track more often than once a month will make you faster. 1.5 hours drive isn't bad. I just moved. My closest track is 3+ hrs away.