Not this year, but I've been a couple times in the last few years. My advice would be to buy the 3 or 4 day "superticket" for like $75-80- I think you might have to buy it in advance to get the best deal. If you're looking for a cheap place to stay- head to the beach, most of the hotels there are dying for guests at this time of year, we stayed at an old- but clean and cheap place on the beach 2 years ago for ~$35 per night.
Bring earplugs. If you're lucky enough to be able to get a pit pass, bring some nomex to wear as they are pretty stringent requiring nomex in the pit area. Many of the guards at the speedway also seem to love to enforce "rules" that may or may not exist- best bet is to politely comply with their request, or you may be removed from the track.
There are lots of support races in the days leading up to the 24hr race, some really good racing usually.
Bret.