There are usually three groups of arrivals:
(1) Those who arrive really late because of some combination of earlier mechanical issues, getting lost on the way, and/or being really slow (applies to drivers and to vehicles) usually just go to sleep.
(2) Those who make it to the hotel with unresolved mechanical issues will often stay in the parking lot for many hours, wrenching, sometimes with success.
(3) Those who arrive early with a vehicle in need of no work may very well socialize, but I'm usually in one of the first two groups so I'm mostly taking this part on hearsay.
You can hang out with at least two of these three groups, so overall I'd say it's worth a shot. Keep in mind the second group may end up putting you to work.
1982 MG Metro 1300: IOE 2015 Pacific Northworst GP, Longest Distance 2010 Cd'L Box Wine Country Classic
1980 KV Mini 1: Worst of Show and Fright Pig Supremo 2009 Concours d'Lemons
1978 H Special: Second-Round Elimination 2010 Lemons Pinewood Derby at Sears Pointless
1967 SAAB 96: IOE 2012 Pacific Northworst GP, Organizer's Choice 2022 Hell on Wheels California Rally