it certainly sounds like an exciting race for you. while it can sometimes be intimidating, i kinda like being in a pack with someone who calls stuff out a lot. just simple stuff like "stay!" or "easy now" is reassuring enough that everyone is paying attention behind you. ...i guess that's not really applicable since you were ahead of the pack.
i really hope you do stay with it and just remember that track racing is like every other jock-oriented sport; its got meat heads and short fuses. just don't become one!