A few comments:
I believe the Nashville SuperSpeedway has a roadcourse INSIDE the oval - won't get a lot of elevation changes, but should have some challenging twisties. According to the site it is a 1.87 mile road course and looks like it only uses some short sections of the oval - no banking. After St. Louis, I would have some reservations about putting all these cars on a road course that uses a lot of an oval..
I think Hennessey talked about renting a nearby 1/4 mile dragstrip for Sunday and Monday and having a huge tuner shootout - anyone know if that is still on?
With regard to the original posters other issues (nice first post, BTW)... Yes, the price is up - it happens. Sunday night with the region is a nice touch - personally, I am starting to plan a fun evening for my region - that will be paid for BY the region for our club members. There are NO national members anymore - so everyone belongs to a region. I realize that you said you are 400 miles away, but this is a great time to meet more folks and see if there are others in your region that you could build a relationship and maybe plan an event local to YOU.
VOI is NOT a track event - yes, when folks are on the road course, they are not going too fast. If you want track time, come to Viper Days, don't kvetch about folks enjoying the VOI experience.
Hotel price is steep - supposed to be a great hotel - will be going there 3/15 thru 3/17 - will post impressions of the facilities. Paid over $100 in St. Louis and my hotel room was very small - almost claustrophobic - won't mind paying more to get more..
For everyone else that is on the fence - try to come - you'll have a great time - meet folks on the board, put faces with names, meet the PVO folks, learn about your car, buy lots of goodies, enjoy the atmosphere or total Viper, etc. It's a weekend to remember!