Cars and Caffeine “Free” for spectators?

So I got the annual email about the upcoming Challenge saying there is a "Free" Caffeine and Coffee on Sunday. Just want to confirm this it is not indeed free for spectators?
 

Last year I showed up to the gate with my 3 kids only to be charged $60-ish to see the Cars and Caffeine, when the only reason we drove down was because we thought it was "Free". The nice lady at the gate said the "Free" part only applied to cars being entered into the Cars and Caffeine, not spectators. I cheekily asked if I could enter my car to avoid paying which she said no. It's an ugly TSX so I get that. 
 

I support the event and I'm fine paying if I have to, just figured it is worth asking for clarification. 
 

clay

Whoa.

The Cars and Coffee here is free. I cannot imagine paying for one. I'd never go.

Sorry about the confusion last year--we didn't anticipate as many Sunday-only spectators as actually showed up, and to keep things simple with gate staff we required everybody to have the same $10 spectator tickets (or $15 at the gate if not purchased in advance) no matter what time/day they arrived. 

This year, we have indeed changed things and Cars & Caffeine is FREE for spectators. You'll just need to sign a waiver at the gate. 

Spectator/crew tickets are still required for anybody attending on Saturday, which is when the autocross and drag racing take place.