Montero1, I've been to the 24 Hours at least a dozen times, going back well into the 1960s. These days, the 24 Hours is crowded -- as in absolutely packed. If you aren't among the first into the infield, good luck finding a place to park a car/truck/etc. along the fence lining the infield. And if you have to park further back, you won't be able to see much during the race sitting in a car/truck/camper trying to keep warm or dry. (And I say that hoping you're not one of those quiche-eaters who stays in a motel and only occasionally goes to the track for a couple of hours at a time?)
So, assuming you're a real gearhead, my humble recommendation is that instead of trying to wedge yourself in among 150k/200k spectators who now fill the infield during the 24 Hours -- half of whom are drunk after dark -- save yourself at least $100 or more on race tickets, and instead attend the
Roar Before the 24 in early January. See
http://www.daytonainternationalspee...-Rolex-24/Roar-Before-The-Rolex-24.aspx. You'll have complete access to the garages for several days, and you'll have a great time watching the cars being sorted out. And, in this regard, you do know the Corvette team will be bringing the new C8-R to the Roar, right? During the 24 Hours you won't be able get within a 100 feet of it. The garages are just too crowded. During the Roar Before the 24, on the other hand, you can easily work your way within feet of where the cars are being prepared. (Heck, you're not a jerk, you can even offer to pitch in with all the "gofer" stuff that always has to be done and everyone appreciates.) Then, during the race itself, you'll be at home, lying on your couch in complete comfort, watching the race on a 36" screen, having experienced everything firsthand without the hassle of crowds, traffic, drunks raising cane all night long, and multiple days of bad food.