Trust me, you do NOT want to drive up on Friday morning. The 5 is a very straight highway and you tend to get lulled into highway hypnosis and trying twice as hard to concentrate. I usually find myself EXHAUSTED by the time I reach my parent's house. Compared to the drive to Santa Barbara (same distance) I never get tired driving to SB.
I would love to caravan but my brother is coming home with me, so my schedule is dependent on when he arrives at my house. I will probably be leaving on Thursday morning and probably do a little bit of recon. at the track before hand too, and just rest up on Thursday night.