What I wish I knew before my first HPDE at Watkins Glen

Just finished my first full weekend at The Glen — Group 1 with NASA Northeast. Wanted to share some things I learned the hard way so the next first-timer can be better prepared. 1. The Esses are way faster than they look on video. My instructor had me going through them at maybe 60% for the first four sessions before he even started adding speed. Trust the process. 2. Bring more water than you think. The paddock has limited shade in summer and you lose a surprising amount of fluid even with the windows up and a helmet on. 3. Brake pads matter enormously. I showed up with street pads on my BRZ and by session three they were fading badly going into Turn 1. The speed you carry down the back straight means you really need at least a performance street pad, ideally a light track pad on the front. 4. The bus stop is deceptively tricky. The entry feels like you should brake in a straight line, but the track curves slightly left before the hard right. My instructor taught me to use a slight trail brake to rotate the car before committing to the right-hander. 5. Tech inspection the night before if possible. The morning line can eat 45 minutes of your day. Would love to hear what others wish they had known for their first event at The Glen or anywhere else.