Ther are a load of hotels in and around Gainesville. One hotel I could steer you toward is the Best Western Gateway Grand. It sits on the Northwest side of town, next to I-75, and is a semi-direct drive to the track (about 14 miles away). It sits directly across the street from the Harley-Davidson dealer. There is also a Rod Cruise-in on Saturday night less than a mile from the hotel (Rod Run is on 39th Ave this year near Santa Fe Comm College, instead of the mall parking lot).
For Rod Cruise-In info, go to www.gainesvillestreetrods.com
For info on speed shops in Florida, go to www.cruisenewsonline.com
Mike Kelly's Cruise News has lots of info for your tour, just click on advertisers (407 area code is the Orlando area). Also lists 90% of the Rod Runs/Cruise-ins by month, day or date.
Don't forget your sunblock !!!!!!!!