recommendations for F1 at COTA?

[SBDave]

I'm thinking about going this year. I know a number of people from Lat-G went last year, so I'm looking for suggestions. Where to stay/best seats (is GA adequate)/any other tips. I'd be flying from California so I assume renting a car would be mandatory although it looks as if they run a shuttle service to the race track. Did anyone go all three days? I've never been to Austin either so I'd like to allow enough time to get around the town a bit.
Thanks,
Dave