If you're a 4 or 5, it's to your favor to pre-reg for races in Chicago/Illinois. Stuff sells out real quick around here. Hillsboro-Roubaix was closed in an hour, same with the Leland Kermesse.
I find it hard to pre-reg three months in advance of a race, just owing to the fact I could be ill/hurt or busy with more important non-cycling activities, but y'know, if you're out killing yourself on the bike to get into race condition, you just have to take that chance.