It's only as distant as you make it. It is completely different from regionals, especially smaller ones like the Peachtree regional that you're used to (45 teams may not be that small, but the venue is fitting of a "smaller" regional, and forces that feeling). Go out, talk to other teams, hand around in the stand or the pits, etc.
It is alot more free if you have the ability to roam, but that isn't always the case, especially if you're on the pit crew or drive team. But when you have the oppurtunity, go around and watch other teams compete, talk to other pit/drive crews, talk to other cheering sections, etc. Find people you know if you're more comfortable with that. It's a big event, but you can find your small little world within it.
And it's just Thursday. I have never liked Thursday, so much stress and so little to show for it. (Well, and my Thursday in Richmond this year I was vomiting, that never helps
). Everything that can go wrong, seems to on Thursday. Teams skip practice matches, and the fact that they don't actually matter means that the matches tend to be dull. Tons of scouting work to do if you're a coach/scout. Repairs galore if you're pit crew. Unpacking your crate, setting up your pit, etc etc etc=TONS of work.
Wait for friday and saturday. Just being able to watch the Einstein finals in person is a reward in itself. The level of play is extraordinary, above anywhere else you will ever find (yes, even IRI).
Yeah, the "commutes" between the pits and the stands/field are a pain. Yeah, its HUGE. Yeah, it's high pressure. But that's all part of what makes it great. Just wait and you'll see.
