Following Greg Amy during night practice at VIR 13 hr in 2007, I learned that at the left hander after the uphill esses if you cut the inside of the corner you kick up just enough dirt that the following car can't see an exit point. Not saying it was done on purpose, but one does learn "tricks" that can be used later in life.
Also that year we were starting close to the back and it was the fasted pace lap I have ever done. I think the plan from the starters was to spread the field out with a fast pace car. I think the pace car turned a 2:30 lap time! It did however spread the field and it was a smooth start.