We did get a deal this year at the Hampton I believe - the full details and numbers will be in the Fastline that comes with the rulebook. I'll also get it on the site at some point soon(ish).
We stayed at the Motel 6 across from the Econo Lodge this year. I've stayed at both and I thought the Motel 6 was much nicer, newer looking and cleaner ... IMHO. It's also cheaper...there's no WERA discount but I think we paid less than $40 per night if I remember correctly. Their phone number is (256)831-5463. I know that's were I'll stay on my next trip to TGPR.
The Travelodge right off exit 185 isn't bad either and it's only $30/night. They even have rooms with coffee makers and fridges. Nothing like drinking an ice cold beer in the shower after a day at the track. Just watch out for those headboards as they aren't mounted too securely to the wall.
Tom, I do not want to know why your head was being banged, against the head board.. The thought is scary enough..