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Bryan LongEveryone so far is right. The national is something you can really enjoy in one day. It takes longer, but if don't have a choice you really need to make note of the dealers you want to see and find them out. After you find the guys you want to see you can take your time just strolling around. Unlike the other guys - if you only are there for one day - just get the one-day pass is my opinion. No need to get the VIP pass unless you really want the autographs. My guess is the girlfriend won't be wanting to hang out at the national all day - so I don't think that there is any need for a VIP pass. When I went to Chicago I just bought my ticket at the front gate and walked in, I didn't have to wait in line - I may have gotten lucky
You might be able to park at the hotel across the street. That is where the dinner will be located. If they have spots that is.
Your ticket that you buy will let you in all day. To my knowledge there are no ticket prices for only certain amounts of time. Others will be able to correct me if I am wrong.
As for a better time to attend the national that depends on who you ask and how much money you have. Deals can be found, but you have to work really hard at it. With the little amount of cash that I will be bringing there is no need to try and get there early or late - I won't be able to afford most of what I need or want anyway
If you can go for the whole day you need to - my first national was quite an experience and nothing that I could have done in only a couple of hours.
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EDITED: Because I kept forgetting to answer questions.