Ok, so by looking at the pole results and reading the comments, most people think it is either seat time, suspension, or "something most club racers dont consider".
I would expect every endurance race to be full then, it is great practice. I myself have always found it more valuable than just a practice session as the actual green flag/lights kind of gets the blood pumping a lot more than just rolling down pit lane.
Suspension without a doubt! You can't get on the gas regardless of how much power you have if the bike isnt settled. Comfortable is fast, I have had bikes which feel like a couch when riding, predictable, comfortable, and yeah a little "Piggish" (that's for you Ben ) and others that just seemed to fight me the entire race.
So what are some of the ideas for what people dont/havent consider? Having a couple of beers the night before to relax? Fighting with your significant other before the race to get the blood flowing? New tires every time you go on track? (more of a mental thing really) Fans waving and clapping for you? Spending hours looking over your notes, if you take notes?