I use Quick Car Racing Products 611-7010, 2 5/8” gauge with shift light. I set the shift light to 300 RPM below my rev limiter, which gives me a visual indication of when I'm getting close. I never look at the gauge on the track, only check the memory for the highest reading before I shut the car off. (Don't forget to clear it before you go out again...) With the R1 you'll need to use a 2.2k ohm resistor between the signal wire and the positive feed.

Bill