Does Las Vegas Have a NASCAR Track? 

Las Vegas, known for its glitz and glamour, is also home to a premier motorsports racing facility, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Located approximately 15 miles northeast of the Las Vegas Strip in Clark County, Nevada, this 1,200-acre complex offers multiple tracks for various racing events. Since its opening in 1996, the speedway has been the site of thrilling racing experiences, attracting fans from all over the world.

One of the primary racing events held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is NASCAR. The speedway’s 1.5-mile oval asphalt track hosts several NASCAR Series races, including the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. With a spectator capacity of 80,000, this state-of-the-art facility provides race enthusiasts with a unique and memorable experience that keeps them coming back for more.

Visiting Las Vegas for NASCAR

Las Vegas is a popular destination for NASCAR fans, as it is home to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The venue has a spectator capacity of 80,000 and consists of a 1.5-mile long asphalt track with four turns. Major events held at the Speedway include the Pennzoil 400 and South Point 400.

Visitors attending NASCAR events can make the most of their time in Las Vegas by enjoying the world-renowned casinos and entertainment options. Some of the most prominent casinos on the Las Vegas Strip include the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Caesars Palace, each offering a unique gambling experience. For those who find themselves too busy to venture to the brick and mortar casinos, some of the larger online casino sites offer the same selection of games and thrills.

During their stay in Las Vegas, NASCAR fans can also take advantage of the many other attractions the city has to offer. In between races, tourists can attend spectacular shows, indulge in shopping and dining experiences, and explore some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. With its perfect combination of exhilarating NASCAR events and unparalleled entertainment, Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for both racing and casino enthusiasts.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Location

Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a large motorsports complex located in Clark County, Nevada, approximately 15 miles northeast of the famous Las Vegas Strip. The facility covers 1,200 acres and hosts a variety of racing events throughout the year, including NASCAR races.

Ownership

The complex is owned by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina and operates multiple racing facilities across the country.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway features several tracks, including a 1.5-mile asphalt tri-oval track that is primarily used for NASCAR events. This main track has 12-20° progressive banking in the turns, making it an interesting and challenging course for drivers. Besides the primary NASCAR track, the speedway also contains two short track ovals, one with an asphalt surface and another with a dirt surface, catering to a diverse range of motorsports disciplines.

With a spectator capacity of 80,000, Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a popular destination for racing fans. Along with its multiple tracks, the facility offers various amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors, such as parking facilities, ATM machines, and handicap-accessible facilities.

Races and Series

NASCAR Cup Series

Las Vegas is home to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile oval track that hosts various NASCAR races, including the NASCAR Cup Series events. The Cup Series hosts two races per year at this venue: Pennzoil 400 and South Point 400. The Pennzoil 400 typically takes place in the first half of the year, while the South Point 400 is held in the latter part of the season. The South Point 400, in particular, is one of the playoff races in the NASCAR Cup Series.

NASCAR Xfinity Series

Las Vegas Motor Speedway also is the site of the NASCAR Xfinity Series races, which serve as the second-tier championship in the NASCAR hierarchy. The track’s Alsco Uniforms 300 and Alsco Uniforms 302 races form part of this series’ annual schedule. Spectators can enjoy these thrilling races filled with up-and-coming talent, as well as more experienced racers. The Alsco Uniforms 302 is held within the playoff section of the Xfinity Series season.

NASCAR Truck Series

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is yet another major event held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This series features modified pickup trucks racing against one another, offering fans a unique and action-packed experience. The World of Westgate 200 is the track’s main event for this series, where drivers battle it out to claim victory on the challenging 1.5-mile oval.

Track Configuration

Oval Track

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway features a 1.5-mile tri-oval track with 20-degree banked turns. The front and backstretch have a banking of 9-12 degrees, making for an exciting racing experience. The track’s surface is made of asphalt, which provides good grip and consistent racing conditions for drivers.

Road Course

In addition to the oval track, Las Vegas Motor Speedway also includes a road course configuration. While primarily designed for other motorsports events, this circuit could be adapted for NASCAR competition if necessary. The road course at the facility provides a challenging layout, incorporating elements of the track’s oval and a series of technical turns and corners.

Drag Strip

Las Vegas Motor Speedway also houses a dedicated drag strip known as The Strip at LVMS. This track features a standard quarter-mile drag racing format, with two lanes for cars to compete against each other in straight-line acceleration races. While not relevant to NASCAR competition, it’s an important part of the overall motorsports complex and showcases the track’s versatility.

Dirt Track

Lastly, the complex includes a dirt track, which offers a completely different racing experience compared to the asphalt surfaces of the oval and road course. The dirt track showcases a more traditional style of racing, with competitors tackling loose surfaces and sliding through turns. This type of track may not be directly applicable to NASCAR events, but it demonstrates the diverse range of racing configurations available at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway complex.

Speedway Facilities and Amenities

Neon Garage

The Neon Garage is a popular attraction at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This entertainment area offers fans close-up views of the race teams and drivers, along with live music and entertainment. In addition, visitors can enjoy food, beverages, and shopping for racing merchandise.

Camping

For those who wish to stay overnight, camping facilities are available at the speedway. Fans can choose from various camping options, including RV and tent camping. The camping areas provide amenities such as restrooms, showers, and convenience stores, making it a comfortable and fun experience for race attendees.

Seating

Seating at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway has a capacity of 80,000 spectators. The seats are designed to offer excellent views of the track, ensuring fans can witness every thrilling moment of the race. Various seating options are available, including reserved seating, so fans can choose the best spot to enjoy the race.

Visitor Information

Parking and Transportation

Visitors to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway can expect ample parking options. There are several lots surrounding the facility, with designated spaces for disabled guests. Parking at the track is generally free, but special events may have different parking policies, so it’s best to check ahead. Additionally, the Speedway offers a free round-trip shuttle service from the Westgate Hotel and Casino during certain events, making transportation to and from the venue convenient for guests staying nearby.

Weather Guarantee

Las Vegas Motor Speedway values its visitors’ experience and offers a weather guarantee for ticket holders. In the event that weather conditions lead to a cancellation or postponement of a race or event, the Speedway aims to provide the best possible solution for the attendees. More information regarding the specific weather guarantee policies can be found on the venue’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

Historical Context

The history of racing in Las Vegas can be traced back to the now-defunct Stardust International Raceway, which operated from 1965 to 1971. Known for hosting a variety of racing events, including the Can-Am Challenge Cup and NASCAR events, Stardust International Raceway laid the foundation for motorsports in the region.

After the closure of Stardust International Raceway, Las Vegas’ racing scene witnessed the emergence of the Las Vegas Speedrome in 1972. Located in the far northeast corner of the Las Vegas Valley, the Speedrome comprised a road course and a drag strip, becoming an essential part of the city’s racing history.

Over the years, the Speedrome evolved into the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 1996. Since then, it has made significant contributions to the world of motorsports, attracting prestigious racing series like NASCAR and IndyCar. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway has also been a host to the World of Outlaws, an iconic American motorsports event showcasing talented Sprint Car and Late Model drivers.

Throughout its existence, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway has undergone numerous renovations and expansions to better accommodate racing events and the growing fan base. Today, the 1,200-acre facility offers a versatile track configuration, enabling it to cater to various types of racing events, from NASCAR to IndyCar, and reinforcing its position as an essential player in the motorsports landscape.