I've bowled a couple of TQRs, one on the Viper, so I can at least tell you what I found.
First and foremost, realize that the condition is going to change during the 15 minutes of practice and every game thereafter. The way your ball reacts during the first couple of tosses will probably not be the way that it reacts once the lanes come on for real. Just be aware that there will be subtle differences right off the bat.
As for the pattern itself, I've never bowled on it in Indy, so I can't tell you exactly what it will be like. Remember, these patterns play differently on each and every surface on which they're laid. Nevertheless, at Stardust in Hammond, the best area of success on Viper, for me, came playing a gentle belly over 3rd or 4th arrow. I kept the swing pretty tight, as leaking the ball right caused it to completely blow the breakpoint and head toward the 6-pin. However, you can't get slow either, or the ball will be through the beak every time.
The PBA patterns, in case you're not familiar with them, generally place a premium on repeatability. You need to be able to get the ball to the breakpoint with the same speed and revs from one shot to the next. If you don't you'll see your reaction and carry change greatly.
As far as the lanes go, look to see if anyone on your pair has a similar game and is trying to attack from the same area from which you want to go. Once I did this, I found a great deal more success and predictability because you can start watching the reaction of others from the same area to see what changes you need to make. Unfortunately, though, this is sometimes not possible as, during TQRs, you'll generally see guys playing everywhere from inside to out. Getting hooked up with someone similar and in the same part of the lane is just the luck of the draw.
Also, keep in mind that, on most PBA patterns, it's not a good idea to have your ball making a very steep angle through the front part of the lane. As I said above, for me, a gentle swing around 3rd or 4th arrow reacted very nicely with Viper. If you try to get too steep or too straight, repeatability may become an issue and lead to negative results.
Lastly, throw straight at spares whenever it is possible. The patterns are totally unlike league. Trying to hook the ball gets really tricky. If you can toss plastic, do so.
Now, as for the experience itself, here a few helpful hints:
1) Have fun. Of course, you want to bowl well, but don't get down on yourself or get too bent out of shape if things aren't going your way. Remember, the exempt players make those conditions look easy only because they are the best in the world. If you are not accustom to bowling on such patterns, the odds are against you ripping them up. Just try to learn from each shot and to keep in mind that the lanes are always changing.
2) Don't let others bother you. Unfortunately, the competitive nature of the event brings out the worst in some people. I've seen regional guys and amateurs alike get really nasty toward each other when things aren't going well for them on the lanes. Don't let a jerk ruin your experience. Bowl your game, have some fun, and do your best.
3) Know and practice appropriate PBA lane courtesy. The quickest way to get yourself on the bad side of those around you is to constantly double-jump them. Learn the system and practice it (it's really not hard once you know what you're supposed to do).
4) Don't let the "Wow" factor get you. Sometimes people get a bit overwhelmed by who they are bowling with/against and just in the fact that they are bowling in a Denny's PBA Tour event. Remember, it's just bowling, and the people around you are just other bowlers. It shouldn't matter whether you're crossing with Dale Eagle or Dudley Doright. Just bowl your game and have fun.
Well, I think that's about all that I have for you. I hope you have a good time and score well. In any event, just take it all in and enjoy the experience. TQRs are a great deal of fun!
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I've only bowled 300, but I've benched 345
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