I'm just bumping this up in case anyone has any more useful info to add. I am currently planning a first time attendance myself and it is much easier to sell things to SWMBO if I actually have answers to her questions. 
Current plan is a VIP ticket and camping pass; I will bring a tent and look for Mongo when I get there. My former challenge car bmw should be (yeah, right...) in top form for a trip around the skid pad; not gonna bring home any awards but it should be plenty of fun!
I will probably take my time going down and back from Philly but will have room for a passenger if anyone is looking for a ride in exchange for a few driving shifts.
