Las Vegas Motor Speedway
You can bet on a real good time when the Shelby 427 comes to Sin City. (Photo courtesy Las Vegas Motor Speedway)
Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide | 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
Overview
What can you say about Vegas that hasn't been said?
It's obviously one of the most popular destinations on the circuit for drivers, fans, media and everyone else involved in racing. The Shelby 427 on March 1 is the third race of the season, but it's first in the hearts of many race fans simply because of its location.
The fun at the track comes in watching drivers negotiate the newly improved 1.5-mile tri-oval, which added banking in 2007 to provide extra speed through the corners … and hopefully an extra groove.
You'll also get a gas out of taking in the track's new Neon Garage fan experience.
The fun away from the track? Well, let's just say that's up to you, and whatever you are looking for, you can find it in Las Vegas.
From fabulous shows to around-the-clock casinos and hotels, this city never sleeps, and you'll want to enjoy every waking moment when visiting for the March 2 race.
Address
7000 Las Vegas Blvd. North
Las Vegas, NV 89115
www.lvms.com
More track news is available through jayski.com.
City Guide: Las Vegas
Notable Events
NASCAR Weekend
Friday, Feb. 27, 2009
• zMax Qualifying Day
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Gates open at 9 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009
• Sam's Town 300, 1:30 p.m.
NASCAR Nationwide Series
Gates open at 8 a.m.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
• Shelby 427, 1:30 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Gates open at 7 a.m.
Tickets
Ticket office: 800-644-4444
Online: Buy tickets | Seating chart (Note: Tickets are available for the
entire race weekend, starting at $99 for three-day passes.)
Pit passes: Available by purchasing a Neon Garage pass.
Fan hospitality: Call the track ticket office for further information.
Note that the speedway has a new feature for fans called the Neon
Garage, which includes a sports bar with big screens to watch the
on-track action, concession stands and continuous entertainment acts
that represent Las Vegas' best shows. As an added bonus, the
speedway's Winner's Circle is located in the Neon Garage. Entry
cost is $99 per day.
Special packages: Call the track ticket office for further information.
Track Specs
Track length: 1.5 miles
Banking: Corners — 20 degrees; frontstretch — 9 degrees;
backstretch — 9 degrees
Frontstretch: 2,275 feet
Backstretch: 1,572 feet
Race length: 427 miles
Grandstand seating capacity: 137,000
Opened: 1996 (First NASCAR race held in 1998)
Carry-In Items
Coolers: Not allowed.
Glass containers: Not allowed.
Alcoholic beverages: Not allowed.
Cameras/recording devices: Allowed.
(Note: Smoking is not allowed in the grandstands, but is permitted
in the general concourse and midway areas.)
Souvenirs and Displays
Merchandise: Driver and NASCAR merchandise haulers on-site.
Scanners: Scanners available for rent on-site.
Gift shop: Located at the speedway.
Autographs
Check local newspapers and TV; drivers rarely available on race day.
Pit Area Guidelines
Pit passes are available with a Neon Garage pass.
(Note: Pit road moved 275 feet closer to grandstands for 2007 season.)
Camping
Reserved: Available; call the track ticket office for further information.
Associated Driving Schools
Mario Andretti Racing School
877-Andretti
Web site
Richard Petty Driving Experience
800-BE-PETTY
Web site
Getting There
The speedway is about 12 miles north of downtown Las Vegas.
• From Las Vegas and the Strip:
Follow I-15 North to exit 54 (Speedway Boulevard).
(Alternate route is Las Vegas Boulevard North; it's not recommended.)
• From Utah and areas north:
Follow I-15 South to exit 54 (Speedway Boulevard).
• Alternate Route:
Take I-15 South to the 215 Beltway south of Mandalay Bay.
Take the 215 Beltway west and follow this to the 15 North.
Take exit 54 (Speedway Boulevard).
(This route adds a few miles, but it is the least traveled to the raceway.)
Parking
Free parking: Available.
Handicapped parking: Available; contact ticket office at 800-644-4444.
• Complete ESPN SportsTravel NASCAR Guide
• 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule
