The Palmdale event was overwelmed with people...each year getting more and more. Pikes Peak is in its 50th year (or more, I am not sure), and the environmentalists are trying to stop it, as in all motorsports. The people there are ready for racers/tourists, and the more the merrier. Get tickets ahead of time as they are cheaper (and the facilities can be planned for). The local dealer will have a free dinner the night before as well as prizes and fun for all that RSVP the Invitation...they also will have a hospitality tent at the starting line, but the BEST view is at 13,000 feet, where you have to be ready for anything. Camping may be allowed this year as the drought that they had last year is gone (or not as severe...check with Pikes Peak Park Rangers). Camping is not usually allowed except for this event, so that is a little incentive too.