start as close to the front as humanly possible (get to the staring line early, but not crazy early), and *really* watch out and be hyper-alert of other riders around you during the first 20 miles. Most of the madness is during that first 20. After that it thins out some and it's not nearly as chaotic.
And have a great time. It's really a lot of fun, and definitely a must do at least once. Last year it most certainly was not Hotter than Hell. It was the coolest year in decades. I'll hope it's that way for you this year.