the '02 should allow a start with the stand down when in neutral. dunno why yours doesn't except to guess maybe you got an '01 ECU.
anywho, the stand DOES suck, but for the track, you really oughta consider a paddock/swingarm stand and remove the kickstand altogether. to allow the bike to run, manually turn the switch that mounts to the stand so that the bike thinks it's retracted, or short the switch's connection with a small wire and some electrical tape. i've left mine disabled since my trackday and have had no probs. just be absolutely sure to retract your stand before riding off or BAD things will happen on your first lefthand turn.

in the end, if you really think the stand sucks, you can buy a cyclecat unit to replace it. motowheels.com has 'em.