Feb. 15 is deadline to buy weekend Neon Garage passes at LVMS: Race fans wanting the best deal on Neon Garage passes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway need to buy their passes in the next two weeks. The speedway has set a Feb. 15 deadline for race fans to purchase a weekend pass for the Neon Garage. After that date, only single-day Neon Garage passes will be available for the Feb. 29-March 2 NASCAR Weekend. Race fans who purchase weekend passes can save up to $132. Weekend passes cost $275 while single-day passes are $129 on Friday and Saturday and $149 on Sunday. The Neon Garage is a fan-interactive, entertainment area located in the center of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage. Unprecedented access to drivers and teams, Vegas-style entertainment including celebrity impersonators such as Elvis and Madonna, the Winner's Circle and specialty concessions are just some of the highlights of the Neon Garage. Race fans can order Neon Garage passes as well as tickets for the UAW-Dodge 400 Sprint Cup Series and Sam's Town 300 Nationwide Series races by calling the LVMS ticket office at 1-800-644-4444 or by logging on to our website at www.lvms.com.(LVMS PR)(2-2-2008)
LVMS inviting fans to "leap" for Pole Day tickets: For race fans who get to celebrate their birthday only once every four years, Las Vegas Motor Speedway is inviting them to spend it at the speedway. NASCAR Sprint Cup Pole Day is Feb. 29, and LVMS is offering free Pole Day tickets as a birthday gift to anyone celebrating a birthday on
the same day."We realize that people born on Feb. 29 don't get to celebrate their birthdays as often as others, so we want to make it extra special for those people who choose to spend their birthdays here at the speedway," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. Race fans taking advantage of this offer must contact our ticket office by phone at 1-800-644-4444 or in person. They will need to show proof of their birth date in order to receive this offer.(LVMS PR)(1-23-2008)
NASCAR cites LVMS for improvement in security: Las Vegas Motor Speedway was selected as one of three tracks to be recognized by NASCAR for its "improvement in exhibiting security and public safety." The speedway was chosen along with New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway. The announcement was made at the NASCAR Security Summit held last week in Charlotte, N.C. "We take the security and safety of our race fans very seriously," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "I salute David Stetzer and our operations team for spending countless hours working with various local and national law enforcement agencies to make sure that everyone who comes to the speedway is able to enjoy NASCAR racing in a safe environment. We are honored that NASCAR has noticed the work we have put into this area."(LVMS PR)(1-17-2008)
Clinton, Huckabee, Obama In Line For Free Neon Garage Passes: The all-important Nevada caucus is slated for Saturday, Jan. 19 and presidential hopefuls from both the Democratic and Republican parties are eligible for free credentials to Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Neon Garage during NASCAR Weekend Feb. 29-March 1-2. Beginning Monday, Jan. 14, the first race fans - whose surnames match any of the primary candidates' last names - who purchase Neon Garage passes will have their money refunded to them. Fans and candidates eligible for such a refund must share the last names of either Democrats Hillary Clinton, John Edwards or Barack Obama or Republicans Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Mitt Romney or Fred Thompson. The offer is good until 5pm on Jan. 19 [Saturday], the day of the Nevada caucus. "We gave strong consideration to anyone named 'Kucinich'," said Chris Powell, general manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. "But the poor showing of Dennis Kucinich in both Iowa and New Hampshire simply made that impossible."
The Neon Garage is a fan interactive, entertainment zone located in the center of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage. Unprecedented access to drivers and teams, Vegas-style entertainment including celebrity impersonators such as Elvis and Madonna, the Winner's Circle and specialty concessions are just some of the highlights of the Neon Garage.
The Feb. 29-March 2 NASCAR Weekend is the largest sporting event in the western United States. The highlight of the weekend is the 11th running of the UAW-Dodge 400 Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday, March 2. The Sam's Town 300 Nationwide Series event is set for Saturday, March 1. Qualifying for the UAW-Dodge 400 will be Friday, Feb. 29. The candidates themselves are eligible for the free credentials to the Neon Garage even if they are not first to make their purchases. "They're quite busy getting ready for the caucus here in the Silver State, so they deserve special dispensation," Powell said. "But by the time our NASCAR Weekend rolls around at the end of February, a couple of the candidates might deserve an opportunity to speak to the estimated gathering of 155,000 voters and race fans, and the others can join the impersonators performing in the Neon Garage." To order tickets, go to lvms.com.(LVMS PR)(1-14-2008)
"COT" to make first appearance at LVMS: NASCAR's "Car of Tomorrow" will make take its first laps around the high-banked Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Dec. 11 as five drivers will conduct a tire test on behalf of Goodyear. #20-Tony Stewart, #17-Matt Kenseth, #31-Jeff Burton, #9-Kasey Kahne and #28-Travis Kvapil will take part in the two-day test. It will be a significant test for both the race teams and the speedway. This past year's Nextel Cup and Busch events were the first for each series since the speedway's banking was increased from 12 to 20 degrees. The five drivers will help Goodyear select a tire for the UAW-Dodge 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event on March 2, 2008. The test is not open to the public. Tickets for both the UAW-Dodge 400 and Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide (formerly Busch) Series event are on sale now by calling the speedway's box office at 1-800-644-4444 or online at www.lvms.com. Neon Garage, Lucky 7 parking and Driver Introduction passes also are available.(LVMS PR)(11-21-2007)
SMI buying NHIS? UPDATE2: There is talk of an announcement on Thursday that will go a long way toward determining if Lowe's Motor Speedway will remain in its present location or go on the road to a neighboring community, as Smith has threatened. It all started in August, when Smith announced plans for a mega-drag strip complex on land adjacent to Lowe's Motor Speedway. SMI and city / county government had been discussing an economic package that could offer as much as $2.4 million for the construction of the strip, plus address the reported $200 million in improvements to LMS that Smith has been contemplating. On Friday of last week, Concord City Council reversed its earlier zoning decision, but that doesn't mean Smith will necessarily stay put. The announcement on Thursday will likely give the answer. Compare Smith's likely success in his quest to both improve his product by adding a drag strip and get help with needed improvements to infrastructure with the International Speedway Corp.'s failure to build a racetrack on Staten Island in New York City. Smith, if he chooses to make the improvements to the current facility, will have come out of the ruckus with tax incentives and possibly even a road (Speedway Boulevard) named in his honor. Thursday's rumored announcement will tell the tale.(NASCAR.com) and have heard that Smith could be buying the New Hampshire track, which could be the announcement....from a Charotte Observer article in part: [Bruton] Smith did give a couple of interviews on Charlotte radio stations on Wednesday [Oct 31]. He told WBT-AM (1110) and WFNZ-AM (610) that he has a “big” announcement planned for 2pm Friday. Presumably, that would come at Texas Motor Speedway, the track he owns near Fort Worth where NASCAR’s top three series will be racing this weekend. What (David Poole) called Smith to ask about Wednesday was whether he’d made a deal to buy New Hampshire International Speedway. Smith told (Poole) he has heard that John Henry and Jack Roush, the owners of Roush Fenway Racing (and, in Henry’s case, of the Boston Red Sox) were interested in buying that track. Smith said he has also heard that George Gillett, Ray Evernham’s partner, might want it. Or that Kentucky Speedway owner Jerry Carroll wants it. What (Poole) asked him, though, was whether he’s bought it, or has a deal to buy it. He tried to change the subject again, then finally said, “It’s unfortunate that you weren’t able to get up with me for a comment today.” But he also said that I might be able to reach him later this week [at Texas].(11-1-2007) UPDATE 2: sources with knowledge of the deal indicated last night that O. Bruton Smith, CEO and chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., had entered into an agreement to purchase New Hampshire International Speedway from Bob Bahre, the track's 80-year-old chairman who is among a rare breed in NASCAR: the independent track owner/operator.
A press conference is expected to be held tomorrow at Texas Motor Speedway, one of six SMI-owned racing venues that stage 10 Nextel Cup events. With the acquisition of NHIS, that stands to grow to 12 Cup dates. Efforts to reach Bahre last night were unsuccessful. Reached last night, NHIS spokesman Fred Neergaard said, "There's nothing new to report." An SMI source, however, indicated Smith had reached an accord with Bahre, but was not clear as to the terms. SMI's racing empire includes Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which host one Cup event, and Bristol Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., and Texas, which host two Cup dates. Texas won its second Cup date as part of a lawsuit settlement stemming from a complaint brought by Francis Ferko, an SMI shareholder, against NASCAR and International Speedway Corp. Smith acquired his first Texas date and Bahre his second NHIS date after they partnered in 1996 to purchase North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway and split its two Cup dates. NASCAR, though, must approve and sanction all dates and race locations before any changes are made to the schedule. NASCAR, which has released its 2008 Sprint Cup schedule, has signed agreements with tracks for all 36 races next season. It had long been speculated that if NHIS were to be sold to Smith, it would take him no time to strip the track of its Cup dates. But, the SMI source suggested, that may not be the case. While NHIS could lose its July date to Las Vegas, SMI could salvage NHIS's spot on the NASCAR schedule by swapping Chase dates with Texas, thus making it the start of the Chase.(Boston Globe)(11-1-2007)
NHIS sale to Roush-Fenway possible? UPDATE 2: New Hampshire International Speedway's president, Bob Bahre, confirmed to FOX Sports today that he and Boston Red Sox owner John Henry have had discussions in the past month about the sale of the Loudon track to Henry's Roush Fenway Racing. No deal has been made.(Union Leader)(9-10-2007) UPDATE: Fenway Sports president Mike Dee said buying the track in the future had been discussed, though not at length, between the Henry camp and that of Bob Bahre, who owns the track. "I won't deny that it has come up. But at this stage of the game, [portraying] that it's a live and intense discussion is grossly exaggerated. We're obviously new to the sport," Dee said. "I think that he's probably at a very early stage of understanding what he's going to do with it, and we're at an earlier stage of figuring out whether we're interested."
Dee downplayed the discussions, saying that Bahre and Fenway Sports speak regularly about the business of racing. Beyond that, there is much Fenway Sports doesn't know about operating a race track, particularly how to wring revenue out of a facility that hosts major NASCAR races just twice a year. "I don't know the economics of the business enough. You can look at it and say if they had 15 races, it'd be better than two. I'd like to tell you that it was in my wheelhouse in terms of core competencies, but I haven't looked at it at all," he said.(Boston Globe)(9-11-2007) UPDATE 2: A day after speculation spread that Roush-Fenway had interest in buying NHIS from Bob Bahre, ESPN reported there was another potential suitor expressing his interest. Bruton Smith, whose Speedway Motorsports, Inc., owns six current Cup tracks, told the network that while nothing is imminent he'd like to buy the Loudon facility at some point in the future for the purpose of moving the first Chase race to his track in Las Vegas.(Concord Monitor)(9-13-2007)
Name change, new race date for NASCAR Weekend in Las Vegas: Las Vegas Motor Speedway is announcing the following points of interest regarding the 2008 NASCAR Weekend at LVMS:
Tickets for the 2008 NASCAR Weekend are slated to go on sale Monday, Aug. 6. Neon Garage passes (which in 2008 will include pit access), pre-race activities passes and Lucky 7 preferred parking also will be available that day. Race fans may order tickets by logging onto the LVMS website at www.lvms.com and clicking on “Tickets” or by calling 800-644-4444.
The 2008 Sprint (formerly Nextel) Cup Series event will be known as the UAW-Dodge 400. The proposed purchase of a majority stake of Chrysler from DaimlerBenz by Cerberus Capital Management necessitates the name change.
NASCAR Weekend is set for Feb. 29-March 2 – one week earlier than the 2007 event. The new dates call for the following schedule: Qualifying for both the UAW-Dodge 400 and Sam’s Town 300 will be Friday, Feb. 29. The Sam’s Town 300 event will be Saturday, March 1 and the 11th annual UAW-Dodge 400 will be run on Sunday, March 2.
“Our ticket-renewal process yielded the highest renewal rates that we’ve ever experienced,” said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. “Our Ticket Services group has worked overtime in order to launch public-sale tickets a month earlier than in the past. I want to add that we’ve also had a very successful relationship with the United Auto Workers and its National Training Center, and we look forward to continuing that sponsorship under the name of the Dodge brand. The earlier race date is not new for Las Vegas Motor Speedway. From 1998-2004, NASCAR Weekend at LVMS was the first weekend in March. This date change in 2008 will allow NASCAR to continue the momentum from the start of the season without an open date just two weeks into the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.”(LVMS PR)(8-3-2007)
Kentucky Cup race? Vegas 2nd race? NASCAR executives may be ready to settle one of those thorny legal situations they face, according to sources who say that a settlement with Kentucky Speedway could be coming — by adding the 11/2-mile track south of Cincinnati to the Nextel Cup tour next season. And there is also an unconfirmed report that NASCAR could be looking at adding a second Nextel Cup event at Bruton Smith’s Las Vegas track for next season.(Winston Salem Journal), so what tracks lose a date?(6-23-2007)
Name change for Vegas Cup race: DaimlerChrysler will be dropped from the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 title pending finalization of the sale of 80 percent of Chrysler divisions to a private equity firm. LVMS general manager Chris Powell said he expects a name change and should know by June what the 11th annual Las Vegas Cup race will be called. He said the sponsorship with the company is good through at least 2008 but would not disclose the length of agreement.(Las Vegas Review Journal)(5-19-2007)
2007 NASCAR Weekend has huge impact in Las Vegas: There were many changes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the past year, but one thing that didn't change was the tremendous impact its NASCAR Weekend had on the Las Vegas economy. The 2007 event weekend, March 9-11, kept its place as one of the most lucrative on the city's calendar. For the sixth consecutive year, the state's largest sporting event saw an increase in its economic value on the Las Vegas community. This year's event had an estimated economic impact of more than $198 million. That represents a slight increase from the $197 million impact from the 2006 NASCAR Weekend, according to figures released by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The highlight of the 2007 event weekend was the debut of the Neon Garage. This new fan-interactive area located in the infield of the superspeedway drew 12,000 fans daily and has become one of the top fan attractions on the NASCAR circuit. The speedway also increased its banking from 12 to 20 degrees to produce more competitive racing, moved its pit road 275 feet closer to the grandstands and constructed a new media center. The study showed a significant increase in out-of-town visitors. According to the LVCVA, 114,450 people attended the event from outside Southern Nevada.
That's a 20.6 percent increase from the 94,875 in 2006. Figures released earlier this month showed a 3.3 percent increase in passenger traffic at McCarran International Airport in March of 2007 compared to 2006.(LVMS PR)(5-11-2007)
Las Vegas Motor Speedway to ban fans who threw objects at Talladega: The spectators who are found guilty of throwing cans and other debris on Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway will not be welcome at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. LVMS general manager Chris Powell said Wednesday that fans banned from Talladega as a result of Sunday's trash-throwing incident will not be allowed to purchase tickets at LVMS. On Tuesday, Talladega Superspeedway president Grant Lynch announced that the fans who threw debris have received a lifetime ban from the facility. On Wednesday, Lynch encouraged other NASCAR tracks to follow suit.(LVMS PR)(5-3-2007)
Neon Garage sells out in its inaugural year: No passes remain for the Neon Garage, the new fan-interactive area located in the center of Las Vegas Motor Speedway's infield. "We knew as soon as we started drawing the plans for the Neon Garage that it would be a hit with race fans," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "The overwhelming response from fans to the Neon Garage is a testament to the importance of elevating the entire fan experience at the speedway." The Neon Garage allows race fans the opportunity to view the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams from both ground level and an elevated position as they prepare their cars for practice, qualifying and the race. Continuous Vegas-style entertainment, a sports bar and the Winner's Circle make the Neon Garage the ultimate fan experience in motorsports.(LVMS PR)(3-9-2007)
Blue Man Group, Uncle Kracker headline entertainment at LVMS: The world-famous Blue Man Group [huge Jayski fave] and recording star Uncle Kracker are just two of the entertainment options Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be offering to race fans during the March 9-11 NASCAR Weekend. Blue Man Group, which performs nightly at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino will perform throughout the day Saturday and Sunday in the Neon Garage and put on a 17-minute show on the pre-race stage prior to the start of Sunday's UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400. Uncle Kracker will play at 11:30 a.m. on the Garnier Fructis Stage in the speedway's midway on Sunday. Sierra Boggess and Darryl Worley will sing the National Anthem on Sunday and Saturday respectively. Boggess will be performing after Saturday's Sam's Town 300 at the Fremont Street Experience. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds, who are based at nearby Nellis Air Force Base, will provide a unique flyover for Sunday's UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400. A pair of F-16s from the 64th Aggressor Squadron from Nellis will provide the flyover for Saturday. Sunday's UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 is sold out, but tickets remain for both the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday and Friday's Pole Day. Call 1-800-644-4444 or log on to www.lvms.com for details.(LVMS PR)(3-9-2007)
LVMS expects smooth vehicle flow for NASCAR Weekend: Las Vegas Motor Speedway's ever-improving vehicle flow for its March 9-11 NASCAR Weekend should be even better for this year's event, according to LVMS officials. Over the past few years, the 215 Beltway, new interchanges and wider roads have helped make ingress and egress from the speedway's property a constantly improving experience for race fans. Race fans are encouraged to arrive early. This year's Sam's Town 300 Busch Series race will begin at noon Pacific Time, which is three and a half hours earlier than last year's event. Race fans also are reminded to turn their clocks forward on Saturday [Sunday at 2am] night in recognition of Daylight Saving Time. Local fans living in the northern and western parts of the valley are encouraged to use the 215 Beltway. Speedway officials also are encouraging as many race fans as possible to use buses and shuttles such as Citizens Area Transit (CAT) for transportation to the races. The speedway will continue to crack down on the fraudulent use of handicapped placards. Speedway security will be checking the validity of handicapped passes on each vehicle. General parking is free at LVMS.(LVMS PR)(3-5-2007)
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Richard Petty wax figures to be unveiled at LVMS: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Richard Petty will appear in
the flesh and in wax in Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Neon Garage. Earnhardt Jr. and Petty, the seven-time NASCAR champion, will
unveil their wax figures at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 9. The two figures will remain in the Neon Garage throughout the weekend. Once the NASCAR Weekend is completed, the two figures will go to their home at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. The figures will join those of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt and four-time champ Jeff Gordon in Madame Tussauds SPEED attraction. Tickets for the March 9-11 NASCAR Weekend are available by calling 1-800-644-4444 or by logging on to www.lvms.com. Madame Tussauds will be open throughout the racing weekend. For attraction hours and pricing, call 702-862-7800 or visit online at www.mtvegas.com.(LVMS PR)(3-5-2007)
LVMS officials announce UAW-DaimlerChryler 400 sellout: Aside from a handful of available singles, the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a sellout. "The demand for NASCAR tickets in Las Vegas confirms once again that Las Vegas Motor Speedway is the premier destination on the NASCAR circuit," said Chris Powell, general manager of LVMS. "This year we've sold out of Sunday's event earlier than any other year. Obviously, the buzz that's been created by raising the speedway's banking and the building of the Neon Garage has spurred an unprecedented level of interest." Tickets do remain for Saturday's Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series race as well as Pole Day on Friday, March 9. One option for fans to see the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 is the newly built Blackjack Club, which occupies the third floor of the new infield media center. A few Blackjack Club passes are available, and they include food and beverage throughout the weekend. Since last March's race, construction crews have raised the banking in the turns from 12 to 20 degrees, moved pit road 275 feet closer to the grandstands, constructed the new Neon Garage and built a new media center. LVMS's ticketing partner, TicketMaster, offers another possibility for fans who don't want to be left out of the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400. TM's "TicketExchange" can be accessed through the LVMS website (lvms.com). Fans who've already purchased tickets to the event have an opportunity to sell unneeded tickets on TicketExchange. For those fans already in possession of tickets, a few passes into the Neon Garage remain available, as do the always-popular pre-race activities passes. Tickets for Qualifying Day and the NASCAR Busch Series Sam's Town 300 may be purchased by calling the LVMS ticket office at (702) 644-4444 or online at www.LVMS.com.(LVMS PR)(3-2-2007)
Smaller fuel tank, new tire for Vegas UPDATE: NASCAR announced that the Nextel Cup cars will be required to use 13-gallon fuel cells at Las Vegas, instead of the 17 gallon tank that is to be used for the rest of the tracks this season. Also the tire that was used in Las Vegas testing in January will be changed. The reason: the new track surface and configuration at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. There were many accidents and the speeds were much higher. NASCAR did the same thing a couple years ago when Lowe's Motor Speedway levitated then resurfaced the track.(2-11-2007) UPDATE: NASCAR will use a smaller fuel cell and a different tire compound for the Nextel Cup and Busch races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 10-11. "We decided to go with a 13-gallon fuel tank for Las Vegas," said Pemberton. "We discussed it with Goodyear and felt we have the potential for some of the same issues we had at the Charlotte track last year." The fuel cell this season for most races is 17.5 gallons. Using a smaller fuel cell will cause the teams to pit at shorter intervals, enabling crew members to check tire wear and make changes frequently, if needed. NASCAR officials were concerned with tire wear last year at Lowe's Motor Speedway after the surface was repaved, which added additional grip. The Las Vegas track was completely rebuilt in the offseason, adding increased banking to the new surface. Cup teams tested at the 1.5-mile two weeks ago and the Busch teams were there last week. Some drivers complained about the speeds the cars were reaching on the new asphalt, along with the hardness of the tires. "Goodyear has decided to change the left-side compound [at Las Vegas] and maybe a construction that is different from the tests," Pemberton said. "As we go into the day and age with new pavement, the surface is a little too abrasive right off. We just need one race under our belts. We have to get a little time on the racetrack."
(ESPN.com) AND LVMS statement regarding smaller fuel cells for NASCAR Weekend: "NASCAR's decision to use 13-gallon fuel cells for both the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 and Sam's Town 300 will make for an even more exciting race," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "With the increase in the banking from 12 to 20 degrees, there are a lot of unknowns including race set up and tire compounds the teams will face for both races. This decision should keep the racing tighter and give the teams more opportunities to measure tire wear." "Plus, we moved the pit road 275 feet closer to the grandstands, so this will give all of the race fans even more opportunities to watch the excitement of the all-important pit stops."(LVMS PR)(2-11-2007)
LVMS to add seating for UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400: Las Vegas Motor Speedway will add bleacher seating in Turn 3 for the March 9-11 NASCAR Weekend. With most of the seats in the main grandstand already sold, the speedway is offering $99 tickets that will include tickets for each day of the racing weekend. "Race fans are aware of the many changes we're undergoing here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and that awareness is apparent in the demand for tickets here in March," said Chris Powell, LVMS general
manager. "The new 20-degree banking in the turns is certain to improve the competition. Pit road is closer to the front-stretch grandstands, and the new Neon Garage is sure to be the talk of the sport. The excitement generated by these improvements has yielded a significant increase in ticket sales - more tickets sold at this point than in any previous year." Construction crews have spent the past 10 months raising the banking and moving pit road 275 feet closer to the grandstands. Tickets in the Turn 3 bleachers go on sale Saturday at 8:00am/pt. These "Triple Play" tickets include reserved seats for the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 and the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series race as well as a ticket for Friday's Pole Day.Passes for the speedway's newest attraction - the
fan-interactive Neon Garage - also are available. In addition, there are a limited number of camping spots, pre-race activities passes and Lucky 7 Preferred parking passes available. Race fans can call 1-800-644-4444 or log on to www.lvms.com for tickets, camping and pre-race passes.(LVMS PR)(1-29-2007)
Blackjack Club to put race fans in the center of the action at LVMS: There's a new club in Las Vegas. This new club doesn't have a dance floor, disco ball or DJ booth; but it has unlimited food and drinks, VIP parking and unprecedented access to Nevada's largest sporting event. The Blackjack Club will be located on the third floor of the speedway's new infield media center. It will give race fans a bird's eye view of the front straightaway, provide access to both the pits and the new Neon Garage and give them a patio from which to watch the racing action. LVMS has sold all seats in its suites and Vegas Clubhouse along the front straightaway making the Blackjack Club the only premium access remaining for the March 9-11 NASCAR Weekend, which includes the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series event and 10th annual UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup race. Passes for the Blackjack Club are available by calling the LVMS sales and marketing department at (702) 632-8254. All passes are good for all three days and include pit passes, Neon Garage access and VIP parking.(LVMS PR)(1-17-2007)
Holidays provide little break for construction crews at LVMS: While many Americans will be taking an extended holiday throughout the end of December, construction crews at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be hard at work. Workers are in the midst of LVMS' most ambitious construction project in years as they continue building the Neon Garage and new media center. Work began on the project immediately following the March 12 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 and will be completed in time for the March 9-11, 2007 NASCAR Weekend. "These guys have been working hard to get this project completed on time," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "We're going to make sure all of the workers take Christmas Day and New Year's Day off to be with their families, but every other day between now and race week will be full speed ahead." Since this past March, crews have leveled most of the infield building, repaved and re-banked the superspeedway, moved pit road 275 feet closer to the grandstands and begun the construction of the Neon
Garage and media center. In the past week, crews have erected the steel truss and attached canopy that will make up the center stage of the Neon Garage. The final steel additions for the Neon Garage have started to be put in place this week, while most of the drywall is completed in the new media center.(LVMS PR)(12-21-2006)
Elvis, Madonna, Prince head Neon Garage lineup at Las Vegas: Elvis Presley, Madonna and many of the biggest names in the music industry have signed on to entertain race fans in the Neon Garage, Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s newest attraction. The performers – or a reasonable impersonator thereof – will be on stage throughout the March 9-11, 2007 race weekend. These legends of the music industry will join Blue Man Group and the Sirens of the TI among the acts confirmed for performing in the Neon Garage.(Las Vegas Motor Speedway PR)(12-17-2006)
Speedway Motorsports distributes to Speedway Children's Charities: Las Vegas: The Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities held its annual Grant Distribution and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Busch garage in the infield of the superspeedway. The Las Vegas Chapter granted $299,000 to 64 local children's charities at the ceremony.(LVMS.com)
Speedway Children's Charities is the primary charitable arm of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., which owns and operates Infineon Raceway. Speedway Children's Charities is a non-profit organization with the purpose of raising funds to be distributed to qualified children's organizations. Founded in 1984 by Bruton Smith, chairman of Speedway Motorsports Inc., Speedway Children's Charities originated at Lowe's Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Fifty-five youth groups will receive funding from Speedway Children's Charities in 2006.(12-8-2006)
Blue Man Group to sponsor pre-race show at LVMS: Las Vegas Motor Speedway is bringing Blue Man Group from the Las Vegas Strip to the front straightaway. The world famous group, which performs nightly at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in their custom-built Blue Man Theatre, will be the headline attraction during the Pre-Race Show prior to the March 11, 2007 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at LVMS. Race fans can purchase pre-race activities passes and watch all of the pre-race ceremonies trackside. A limited number remain available. Blue Man Group currently has productions also running in New York, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, Toronto and London. In December, Blue Man Group will open its latest international production in Amsterdam and in June 2007, they will open at Universal Orlando Resort. This will be the group's first appearance at a speedway or a NASCAR event. In addition to its performance on the pre-race stage, Blue Man Group also has become the first act to commit to performing in the Neon Garage. LVMS expects to announce many more entertainment acts for the Neon Garage over the next several weeks. The Neon Garage will be positioned in the center of the LVMS infield. It will be comprised of four buildings - constructed in the shape of a diamond - in which the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams will prepare their cars to race. Each building will be two stories, which will allow race fans to watch the teams work from ground level or from an elevated position. The center of the Neon Garage will be open to race fans. There will be 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 is moving its Winner's Circle into the Neon Garage as well.(LVMS PR)(11-28-2006)
LVMS tickets bought before Dec.1 will arrive for holidays: Race fans planning to give NASCAR tickets as Christmas gifts have three weeks remaining in order to ensure delivery by Dec. 25. Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Ticket Services department will guarantee a pre-Christmas delivery of any tickets ordered by Dec. 1. Tickets ordered after Dec. 1 are not guaranteed to arrive by the holiday season. NASCAR Weekend in Las Vegas is set for March 9-11, 2007. More info at LVMS.com.(11-16-2006)
Biffle visits new-and-improved Las Vegas Motor Speedway: #16-Greg Biffle was in Las Vegas on Thursday [Nov 9] and visited Las Vegas Motor Speedway as part of promotion for Kraft Foods and Planters Peanuts. Two lucky winners were flown to Las
Vegas to receive ride-alongs with Greg at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at LVMS. The promotion afforded Biffle - a native of Vancouver, Wash., an opportunity to see the 1.5-mile superspeedway in its new configuration, with banking in the turns increased to 20 degrees. "We're out here doing some promotions with Kraft - one of my sponsors on my car - and I'm having a lot of fun," said Biffle. "Giving people rides is fun and it gives them a feel for what we do. This is my first time on the new configuration. It looks like it's
going to be fun to race on. Obviously, the Richard Petty (Driving Experience) cars are a (little) slower than what we go here, so it's a
little hard to get a feel for how it's actually going to be, but it's a lot different than what it used to be. I think running up off the bottom of the race track is going to be the fast way around. These guys (Petty instructors) are running around the middle groove and it looks like it's going to produce some pretty good side-by-side racing. I'm looking forward to coming out here next month to test for Goodyear in my race car."(LVMS PR)(11-11-2006)
Starting times announced for 2007 NASCAR Weekend at LVMS: Starting times for Las Vegas Motor Speedway's 2007
NASCAR Weekend are set. For the second straight year, the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race on Sunday, March 11, 2007 will start at 1:40 p.m. (Pacific Time). The Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series on Saturday, March 10 will start at 2 p.m. The Busch race starting time is 90 minutes earlier than this past year. "We had several discussions with NASCAR about the starting time of the Sam's Town 300," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "We decided that an earlier start time will allow the race fans to enjoy a great day of racing and still have time to enjoy the excitement and nightlife for which Las Vegas is famous."
Speedway officials also announced that Saturday's Sam's Town 300 will be televised by ABC Sports. It will be the first over-the-air
network for a Busch Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. FOX Sports will televise the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 for the seventh consecutive year. Tickets for all NASCAR Weekend events as well as passes to the new Neon Garage are on sale now by calling 1-800-644-4444 or logging on to www.lvms.com.(LVMS PR)(10-31-2006)
Construction crews start work on inspection bay in Neon Garage at LVMS: Race teams refer to the NASCAR inspection bay as the "Room of Doom," and race fans who buy passes to the Neon Garage at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will get a first-hand account of what the crew chiefs face every week. Construction crews began erecting the walls for the inspection bay this week as part of the ongoing, multi-million dollar infield renovation of the LVMS infield. Once completed, the inspection area will have large windows facing toward the interior of the Neon Garage to allow fans to watch the NASCAR officials at work. In addition to the work on the inspection station, construction crews began pouring concrete for the third-floor observation deck of the media center, continued placing the metal panels on the front of the media center and continued work on the second-floor viewing area for the Neon Garage. Tickets for March 9-11, 2007 NASCAR Weekend as well as passes for the Neon Garage are on sale now by calling the speedway ticket office at
1-800-644-4444 or by logging on to www.lvms.com.(LVMS PR)(10-21-2006)
Construction crews starting adding second floor of Neon Garage at LVMS: America's premier motorsports attraction is growing in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway infield. Construction crews have started adding the second floor to LVMS' Neon Garage. The second level will allow race fans who have purchased passes to the Neon Garage to look directly down into the garage bays as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series crewmen tune their cars. The Neon Garage will be positioned in the center of the infield. It will be composed of four buildings - constructed in the shape of a diamond - in which the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams will prepare their cars to race. The center of the Neon Garage will be open to credentialed race fans. There will be 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 is moving its Winner's Circle into the Neon Garage. In addition to the Neon Garage work, crews have been adding the façade to the speedway's new media center. More than half of the metal panels are in place as the new facility starts to take shape. Race fans can purchase race tickets as well as passes to the Neon Garage by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-644-4444 or by logging on to www.lvms.com.(LVMS PR)(10-15-2006)
Pit passes sold out for 2007 NASCAR Weekend at LVMS: The popularity of Las Vegas Motor Speedway's newest
attraction has led to the sellout of all pit passes for the March 9-11, 2007 NASCAR Weekend. An overwhelming response to the speedway's Jackpot Pass has forced the speedway to suspend sales of pit passes for the event. The Jackpot Pass allows access to both the Neon Garage and the pits for all three days and is the only remaining way for race fans to gain pit access. Race fans can get race tickets, Jackpot Passes, Neon Garage passes and Lucky 7 Preferred parking passes by calling the speedway at 1-800-644-4444 or on the web at www.lvms.com.(LVMS PR)(10-7-2006)
LVMS Construction Update Sept. 11-15: The most exciting attraction in motorsports is taking shape in Las Vegas Motor Speedway's infield. Construction crews began raising the preformed concrete walls of the Neon Garage this week as work continued on the speedway's multi-million dollar infield renovation project. Once completed, the Neon Garage will help set Las Vegas Motor
Speedway apart from all other race tracks. It will be positioned in the center of the LVMS infield and will be comprised of four buildings -
constructed in the shape of a diamond - in which the Nextel Cup teams will prepare their cars to race. Each building will be two
stories, which will allow race fans to watch the teams work from ground level or from an elevated position. The center of the Neon Garage will be open to race fans. There will be 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 is moving its Winner's Circle
into the Neon Garage as well. In other construction news, paving crews began laying asphalt around the Craftsman Truck Series garage area in preparation for the Smith's Las Vegas 350 Craftsman Truck Series race on Sept. 23; work continued on the new cloverleaf at the vehicular tunnel and preparations to put the metal facing on the new media center got under way.(LVMS PR)(9-17-2006)
NASCAR tickets go on sale Saturday at LVMS: Twenty degrees of banking and a completely revamped infield - featuring the most fan-friendly garage in motorsports - have driven ticket demand to new heights for the 2007 NASCAR Weekend at Las
Vegas Motor Speedway. Fast-acting fans will get their opportunity beginning Saturday [Sept 16th] to secure their seats, for 2007 and beyond, when tickets go on sale to the public. Fans are encouraged to buy early as tickets for the big weekend go on sale at 8:00am/pt [11:00am/et]. The 10th annual UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Nextel Cup event is set for March 11, 2007. Also that weekend are the Sam's Town 300 Busch Series event (March 10) and qualifying and practice sessions for the Nextel Cup Series (March 9). Race fans can call 1-800-644-4444 or log on to www.lvms.com to purchase tickets. Race fans purchasing weekend packages receive seating priority from year to year. Weekend packages include front-stretch seats for the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 and Sam's Town 300 as well as a free ticket to Friday's qualifying. Passes for the new Neon Garage also will go on sale Saturday. The Neon Garage will be positioned in the center of the LVMS infield. It will be comprised of four buildings - constructed in the shape of a diamond - in which the Nextel Cup teams will prepare their cars to race. Each building will be two stories, which will allow race fans to watch the teams work from ground level or from an elevated position. The center of the Neon Garage will be open to race fans. There will be 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 is moving its Winner's Circle into the Neon Garage as well.(LVMS PR)(9-14-2006)
LVMS construction update (Sept. 4-8): Construction crews using earth-moving equipment spent a major portion of the past week grading out the new cloverleaf that will make for easier access in and out of Las Vegas Motor Speedway's infield.
The new road design will give vehicles leaving the infield and needing to go behind the backstretch and a route that will take them
over the tunnel and prevent those vehicles from having to turn across traffic. The new entry and exit interchange is expected to be completed in time for the Sept. 23 Smith's Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event. In other construction news this past week:
* Construction continued on the inside of the new garage building that will be home to the NASCAR Busch Series teams next year as well as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams in two weeks.
* Crews continued pouring the walls for the new Neon Garage. Once all walls are poured, a crane will lift the walls in to place.
* Framework for the new media center continues to be erected.
* NASCAR's scoring loops were installed into the racing surface.(LVMS PR)(9-10-2006)
Concrete poured in pit area, sod laid this week at LVMS: Work crews continued their work inside of Las Vegas Motor Speedway by pouring the concrete pit stalls behind the pit wall and completing the landscaping of the superspeedway's tri-oval. With the Smith's Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race just three weeks away, the 1.5-mile superspeedway is starting to
look like a race track again. With the pouring of the concrete area behind the pit wall, most of the work to have the speedway ready for the Sept. 23 Truck race has been completed. On Wednesday, landscapers laid the final piece of lush green sod in the tri-oval. In addition, most of the steel has been erected for the new media center building, crews are putting the final touches on the garage that will house the Truck Series in a few weeks and work is continuing on the Neon Garage. Once the multi-million dollar project is completed, LVMS will be home to the most modern of fan-interactive attractions with the Neon Garage. The Neon Garage will give race fans an opportunity to get closer than ever before to the men and machines of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. In addition, the 20-degree banking and relocated pit road will make for a much better experience for the thousands of race fans who attend events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(LVMS PR)(9-1-2006)
Infield at Las Vegas Motor Speedway goes green: Although we're headed into the final week of August, it's beginning to look like spring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After enduring months of drab brown (dirt) and black (pavement), the color green has emerged in the infield of the tri-oval of the 1.5-mile superspeedway as four acres of sod was planted between pit road and the front straightaway. Construction continues on the Neon Garage fan zone, state-of-the-art media center and NASCAR Busch Series garage.
The first event to be held on LVMS' new pavement and 20-degree banked turns will be the Smith's Las Vegas 350 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on Sept. 23. Tickets for the event may be purchased by calling the LVMS ticket office at (702) 644-4444 or online at www.LVMS.com.(LVMS PR)(8-26-2006)
LVMS media center starting to take shape; Speedway's high banks get first workout: While four Craftsman Truck Series teams tested the new 20 degrees of banking at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, construction crews were continuing their work on the speedway's new media center and the Neon Garage. During the past week, cranes set in place most of the steel for the three-level, state-of-the-art media center. Crews also continued pouring the walls that will be lifted to help form the Neon Garage. The week also marked the first real test for the new pavement and the high banks as Goodyear brought four truck teams to the speedway to help prepare a tire compound for the Sept. 23 Smith's Las Vegas 350. Other progress made this week by construction crews included:
* Completed the striping of white lines on the superspeedway.
* Completed the installation of the billboards behind Turns 1 and 2.
* Began work on establishing a more efficient entry and exit to the vehicle tunnel.
* Continued internal construction of the new Busch Series garage.
* Graded the tri-oval grass to make way for fresh sod that will be placed next week.(LVMS PR/Site)(8-19-2006)
Four Truck Series teams conclude tire tests at LVMS: Four Truck Series teams concluded tire tests for Goodyear at Las Vegas Motor Speedway tonight. The next time they see the track will be Smith's Las Vegas 350 on Saturday, Sept. 23. Each of the four participating manufacturers were represented: Dodge (Brendan Gaughan of Las Vegas), Chevrolet (Dennis Setzer), Toyota (Todd
Bodine) and Ford (Rick Crawford). The track qualifying record of 165.320mph was set by Mike Skinner in 2004 [the Nextel Cup track record in 174.904mph, set in 2004], and the teams ran in the 170mph in race trim [reports from Tuesday had the speeds close to 180mph]. Tickets for the Smith's Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on Sept. 23 may be purchased by calling the LVMS ticket office at (702) 644-4444 or online at www.LVMS.com.(LVMS PR)(8-17-2006)
Four Truck Series teams test tires at LVMS: four Truck Series teams are testing tires for Goodyear in a closed session on Las Vegas Motor Speedway's new pavement and banked turns Tuesday and Wednesday: #14-Rick Crawford [Ford], #85-Dennis Setzer [Chevy], #30-Todd Bodine [Toyota] abd #77-Brendan Gaughan [Dodge]
For three of the four drivers, it was their first time out on LVMS' new pavement and high-banked turns. Having won the 2001 NASCAR Busch Series Sam's Town 300 and last year's Truck Series Las Vegas 350 at LVMS, Todd Bodine perhaps knows his way around the 1.5-mile superspeedway better than any of the other participating drivers. The new banking surprised Bodine. "I'll tell you, I was a little skeptical at first, riding around in a (stock) Tundra," Bodine admitted. "But then I got in the race truck and I was very impressed. The track itself - the shape, the entries and exits, the corners - they're much better than they appear to be. I think it's going to be a really good track to race on. I've won here in Busch and Truck and I've always loved coming to Vegas. Hopefully we can get our truck just as good as it was last time." "It's a big, big change," said Chevrolet's Setzer. "It's a huge change - I cannot believe how much has been changed at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The banking's going to be fun to work with, I think. It's got some characteristics unique to Vegas already. We'll see how it works." Testing will continue Wednesday at 4 p.m. The session is not open to the public.(images at LVMS.com), hearing top speeds early in the session reached 180mph, the Nextel Cup track record in 174.904mph, set in 2004.(8-16-2006)
Steel framework for new media center being erected at LVMS: Construction crews began erecting the steel girders that will provide the framework for Las Vegas Motor Speedway's new state-of-the-art media center this week. As the speedway's renovation
project completed its fifth month, crews have completed the re-banking of the 1.5-mile superspeedway from 12 degrees to 20 degrees and have completed the moving of pit road approximately 275 feet closer to the grandstands. This past week, crews turned their attention to the new media center and the Neon Garage. The Neon Garage - an ultra-modern, fan-interactive area - is a place where race fans can watch the NASCAR Nextel Cup teams prepare their cars while being entertained by various acts that represent the famous Las Vegas Strip. Other progress made this week by construction crews included:
* Began pouring the forms that will become the walls for the Neon Garage.
* Used NASCAR drivers Kurt Busch and Brendan Gaughan to test the new pavement.
* Completed the restoration of the SAFER barrier and catch fence.
* Continued internal construction of the new Busch Series garage.
* Completed the installation of the irrigation system for the tri-oval grass.
* Began replacing the giant billboards above Turns 1 and 2.
* Continued grading parts of the infield to make room for more camping spaces.(LVMS PR)(8-12-2006)
Neon Garage to bring Vegas glitz to LVMS: Las Vegas Motor Speedway officials announced that the new fan-interactive garage area being built in the speedway's infield will be known as the Neon Garage. The name is derived from the neon lights that represent the glamour of Las Vegas as well as the garage that is the centerpiece of NASCAR tracks across the country. "It's not often that you get the opportunity to invent something, but with the Neon Garage, we truly believe that Las Vegas Motor Speedway is creating a new way for fans to experience a NASCAR race," said Chris Powell, LVMS general manager. The Neon Garage will be positioned in the center of the LVMS infield. It will be comprised of four buildings - constructed in the shape of a diamond - in which the Nextel Cup teams will prepare their cars to race. Each building will be two stories, which will allow race fans to watch the teams work from ground level or from an elevated position. The center of the Neon Garage will be open to race fans. There will be 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 is moving its Winner's Circle into the Neon Garage as well. Tickets for the Neon Garage are on sale now for the March 9-11, 2007 NASCAR Weekend. Race fans can get tickets and Neon Garage passes by calling 1-800-644-4444 or logging on to www.lvms.com.(LVMS PR/Site)(8-10-2006)
Kurt Busch first to drive on new LVMS high banks: #2-Kurt Busch on Tuesday became the first driver to turn laps on Las Vegas Motor Speedway's new pavement and high-banked turns. The Las Vegas native drove a car from the Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) which was painted to resemble his #2 Miller Lite Dodge. Busch had nothing but praise for the new asphalt surface and 20-degree banked turns as he exited the car. "First, I am honored to be here to take the first laps on the new track," Busch said. "I just can't wait for the completed product, because what's available right now is so much speed. Everything about it is right -- the transitions into the corners, the new banking, the speed that it's going to (generate). When we qualify here, it'll be beyond the track record. It's hard to tell right now exactly how fast it will be, but I think it will be five-to-10 miles per hour quicker. And what that means for a lap time is probably two or three seconds. It's that much quicker. And what teams are going to have to do to adjust to all this newness is going to be incredible. I can't wait for the test session we have here in January." Busch wasn't the only NASCAR driver to tour the track today. Fellow Las Vegas native Brendan Gaughan, who competes in the Truck Series, also turned laps in an RPDE car. "I liked the old track, so I'm not one of those guys that didn't like the old LVMS configuration," said Gaughan, who drives the Orleans Racing Dodge. "I got to talk to the guys who constructed it and they're really proud of it. There are no seams where the banking rises. Las Vegas Motor Speedway's front straight lends itself to a much more friendly and racy straightaway. At Charlotte, Atlanta and Texas, with their flat double-dogleg, it can get dicey where you get a little nervous getting through there. This place seems like you're going to be able to go two or three-wide at the start-finish line much easier than those other tracks. You'll definitely be able to run more grooves. Like Homestead, where they went to multiple banking, the top groove could be pretty quick. I can't wait for the Goodyear tire test here next week. Then the Smith's Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race is the first event on the new surface." Tickets for the Sept. 23 Smith's Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race on LVMS' repaved, high-banked 1.5-mile superspeedway are now on sale and may be purchased by calling the LVMS ticket office at (702) 644-4444 or online at www.LVMS.com.(LVMS PR)(8-9-2006)
LVMS Construction update (July 31-Aug. 4): In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
* Completed all paving on the superspeedway.
* Restored approximately 80 percent of the SAFER barrier.
* Began internal construction of the new Busch Series garage.
* Started installation of the irrigation system for the tri-oval grass.
* Completed all infrastructure and underground work on the new media center.
* Began grading parts of the infield to make room for more camping spaces.
* Continued the widening of the entrance road to the vehicular tunnel.(LVMS PR)(8-5-2006)
Paving continues on LVMS superspeedway; Construction update (July 24-28): In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
* Completed paving on the new, 20-degree banked turns.
* Paving nearly complete on the superspeedway apron, Legends Cars track and pit road. (Paving on these areas expected to be completed by Aug. 3).
* Infield electrical and plumbing infrastructure in progress.(LVMS PR)(7-29-2006)
Vegas Cup Tix go on sale in September: Records will fall and excitement will rise when the stars of the NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series return to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the annual NASCAR Weekend March 9-11, 2007. Tickets will go on sale Sept. 16. This will mark the first visit to the speedway for NASCAR's premier series since the speedway raised its banks from 12 to 20 degrees, moved pit road approximately 250 feet closer to the grandstand and erected the state-of-the-art, fan-interactive area as part of the Nextel Cup garage. Again in 2007, the March 11 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 is scheduled to be the third stop on the NASCAR Nextel Cup tour. The Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series event will precede the NASCAR Nextel Cup event on Saturday, March 10. Qualifying for the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 is set for Friday, March 9. Race fans can purchase tickets by calling 1-800-644-4444, logging on to www.lvms.com or in person at the LVMS ticket services office. Las Vegas Motor Speedway also is offering a special Jackpot Pass, which allows fans access to both the fan-interactive area and the pits throughout the three-day event. All tickets to the fan-interactive area and pit passes must be accompanied by a race ticket. For the third consecutive year, LVMS is offering pre-race activities passes, which allow fans to stand on the racing surface during all pre-race activities including Sunday's driver introductions and VIP speeches. Times for all events will be announced at a later date.(LVMS PR)(7-27-2006)
Paving under way on LVMS superspeedway - Construction update (July 17-21): In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
* Completed most of the first layer of asphalt on the superspeedway.
* Erected the walls for the new NASCAR Busch Series garage.
* Began adding the roof for the new NASCAR Busch Series garage.
* Completion of all underground wiring, water and sewer work.
* Completed most of the catchfence around the superspeedway.(LVMS PR)(7-24-2006)
LVMS Construction Update (July 10-14): In the past week, construction crews at Las Vegas Motor Speedway have completed the following tasks:
* Started paving the apron, pit road and Legends oval with the base course of asphalt.
* Continued erecting the catchfence around the superspeedway.
* Completed approximately 85 percent of the installation of lights and mirrors for the new pit road.
* Nearing completion of all underground wiring, water and sewer work.(LVMS PR)(7-15-2006)
2nd Cup race at Las Vegas? The hottest rumor in the garage area won't go away. If the Nextel Cup series is going to add a second race to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, it's news to them. Racetrack officials called the rumor "interesting" but said they haven't heard anything official. Stay tuned.(Augusta Chronicle)(7-8-2006)
LVMS Construction Update (July 3-7): In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
* Scraped away the remaining asphalt near the superspeedway's start-finish line to prepare for paving.
* Began attaching the mesh fencing to the catchfence posts around the superspeedway.
* Completed pouring the concrete walls for the new NASCAR Busch Series garage building.
* Completed the base of the new media center in preparation for steel installation.(LVMS.com)(7-8-2006)
LVMS Construction Update (June 26-30): In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
* Completed the installation of the Musco lighting system around the entire superspeedway.
* Have completed the erection of most of the catchfence along the front stretch as well as through both turns.
* Completed all grading on the superspeedway. The high banks of Vegas are ready for paving.
* Begun pouring the concrete walls for the new NASCAR Busch Series garage building.
* Completed the backfilling of dirt behind the crash wall and around the vehicular tunnel.(LVMS.com, see images)(7-4-2006)
LVMS Construction Update (June 19-23): In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
* Completed the inside retaining wall around the entire superspeedway.
* Began installing the Musco lighting system in the infield. Lights and mirrors have been erected through turns 1 and 2 and down the
back straightaway.
* Began putting the poles for the catch fence along the front straightaway.
* Completed the application of the base course foundation of the superspeedway.
* Continued infrastructure work for the new Busch Series garage and media center.(LVMS PR)(6-24-2006)
LVMS Construction Update (June 12-16): In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
* Completed the inside retaining wall through Turns 1 and 2 and along the back straightaway.
* Poured the concrete pad for new NASCAR Busch Series garage.
* Completed the grading for the new fan interactive Nextel Cup garage area.
* Began the smoothing process of the superspeedway.
* Begun the process of widening the entrance road leading in to the vehicular tunnels.
For a complete look at all of this week's construction photos please log on to the following website: lvms.com.(LVMS PR)(6-17-2006)
LVMS to put terrace seats on sale for 2007: Las Vegas Motor Speedway is giving race fans a head start on buying the tickets that offer the best views of the speedway's new 20-degree banking and reconfigured pit road. Seats in the Dale Earnhardt Terrace and Richard Petty Terrace for the 2007 NASCAR Weekend will go on sale Thursday [June 15th] at 8:00am/pt [11:00am/et]. The views from both grandstands will be even better in 2007. The speedway's new pit road is 250 feet closer to the frontstretch grandstands, and banking in the turns is increasing from 12 to 20 degrees. The project will enhance the sightlines in the Earnhardt and Petty terraces, bring the pit-road action nearer the fans and should make the racing more competitive. Seats in the rest of the main grandstand will go on sale in September. Race fans can order tickets by calling 1-800-644-4444 or by logging on to www.lvms.com.(LVMS.com)(6-13-2006)
LVMS Construction Update (June 5-9): In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
* Finished grading the banking in turns 3 and 4 and began pouring the base course stone on the superspeedway.
* Completed the foundation for both the new NASCAR Busch Series garage and the new media center.
* Began digging out the building pad for the new fan interactive garage area for the Nextel Cup teams.
* Completed the extension of the vehicular tunnels and began the widening of the road to the tunnels.
* Completed the pouring of concrete for the new pit boxes.(Las Vegas Motor Speedway)(6-10-2006)
LVMS Construction Update (May 30-June 2): In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
* Finished grading the banking in turns 1 and 2 and began the process of grading the banking in turns 3 and 4.
* Completed the outer retaining wall around the entire superspeedway. Work has begun on the inside retaining wall.
* All concrete has been poured for the pit boxes on the new pit road.
* Completed the building pad for the new media center and started the foundation for the NASCAR Busch Series garage.
* Finished all grading for the new ¼-mile Legends oval.(LVMS PR/Site images)(6-6-2006)
LVMS Construction Update (May 22-26): In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
1. Completed the building pad for the new media center (construction on the new Busch garage and media center will begin next week). 2. 140,000 cubic yards of fill material now in place for the new track surface (i.e. banking in Turns 1 and 2).
3. "Tunnel retrofit" (extending the infield tunnel outside Turns 1 and 2 while shortening the tunnel on the inside) is 99% complete.
4. Layout of the new ¼-mile oval which joins pit road and the front straightaway. This will be used for Legends Car and Bandolero racing, similar to LVMS' SMI-owned "sister tracks" Atlanta Motor Speedway, Lowe's Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.
5. The new concrete retaining wall is 98% complete and will be finished in early June.(LVMS PR)(5-27-2006)
LVMS Construction Update (May 15-19): Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Public Relations Department will be providing weekly construction updates as the speedway undergoes its multi-million dollar facelift, which will result in a new fan interactive garage area, a pit road closer to the grandstands, resurfaced and re-banked racing surface and state-of-the-art media center. In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks:
· Brought 40,000 more cubic yards of dirt into the infield. This dirt will make up the fill needed for the new 20-degree banked turns. So far, 80,000 of the 120,000 cubic yards of dirt needed for the project has been put in place.
· Completed the construction of the back stretch and Turn 2 retaining wall. Crews should be finished building the wall in Turns 1 and 2 by the end of the weekend.
· Completed the building pad for the new Busch garage.
· Work is half completed on the building pad for the new media center.
· The sub-grade and base is completed for the new pit lane. The setting of the concrete pit boxes is scheduled to begin next week.
· Two of the three infield tunnels have been extended.(see more at LVMS.com)(5-20-2006)
Recycling LVMS: Everything old is new again: A lot of Las Vegas Motor Speedway is being torn down, but very little is being thrown away. The speedway's multi-million dollar construction project has created a considerable amount of rubble which might be misconstrued as waste. But quite a bit of what was demolished will be reused. "We have made a concerted effort to recycle as much of the old facility as possible," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "In doing so, we are being both fiscally and environmentally responsible. In the past, we have recycled parts of the grandstands when we built the Earnhardt and Petty Terraces, but this project is
much larger than any of those." The estimated 500,000 tons of asphalt removed from the superspeedway's turns, back straightaway, infield and access roads will be recycled to pave five acres of parking lots and 25 acres of campground around the track. The infield top soil - estimated at 100,000 cubic yards - will be enhanced with peat moss and reused in the tri-oval area and elsewhere around the
LVMS property. Even the three-lane tunnel will undergo recycling. Its corrugated steel walls from the infield side will be moved to the entrance of the tunnel due to the reshaping of Turns 1 and 2. "The barrier wall is moving out 200 feet, so we had a lot of extra tunnel on the infield side that we don't need," said Devin Horihan, LVMS director of development. "We need it on the outside of the tunnel because we're changing the banking of the track. We took the tunnel apart on the infield side, now we're reassembling it on the outside.
"There will be 3,000 feet of wheel fence that will be reused on the backstretch and in Turns 1 and 2. The garage doors from the pit buildings were picked up by a local recycler. The base stone under the asphalt on the track was recycled. It's a high-quality fractured limestone and will be used again under the new track. When you think about it, there really isn't that much waste." Thirty-six palm trees were removed from the tunnel entrance to the superspeedway and will be replanted around the LVMS property. The new speedway surface, which will be banked 20 degrees in the turns and 10 degrees on the back straightaway, will be ready for the Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event Sept. 23.(see more at LVMS.com)(5-19-2006)
NASCAR Weekend nets record $197 million for Las Vegas economy: More visitors came to Las Vegas this past March and spent more money than any other month in Las Vegas' 101-year history. No entity played a bigger role in that milestone than Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 2006 NASCAR Weekend in Las Vegas had a record $197 million impact on the state's economy, the greatest expenditure figure in the nine-year history of the event and an astounding 18.4-percent increase from 2005. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's annual study revealed that the final number was $197,891,200, up from $167,127,800 in 2005. The numbers, a product of one-time expenditures, are based on interviews with race fans during the March 10-12 weekend and reflect the amount of money spent - both gaming and non-gaming - during the four-day event at LVMS. The study estimated approximately 94,875 visitors attended the race from outside Nevada. The event weekend is estimated to have drawn more than 340,000 people through the gates at the speedway. The events included the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup event, the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series race, Friday's qualifying day and two nights of the World of Outlaws. According to the economics research department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, each dollar brought into the area creates a little more than one additional dollar. Based on UNLV's analysis, the event generated more than $400 million as the money cycled throughout the Nevada economy.(see more at LVMS.com)(5-18-2006)
LVMS Construction Update May 12th: In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks:
* Begun the process of bringing in dirt to create the 20-degree banked turns and the elevated back stretch. As of Friday, approximately 40,000 cubic yards of fill had been brought into the infield, which is about one-third of the dirt needed to finish the project.
* Completed the installation of the new pit wall.
* Begun the construction of the retaining wall on the backstretch. (Beginning Monday, crews will begin working 24-hour shifts to complete the crash wall around the speedway.)
* Crews have removed most of the debris from demolished infield buildings.
* Completed the rewiring of the Musco Lighting System on both the inside and outside of the track.
* Halfway through the infield tunnel extension project.
See more at LVMS.com)(5-13-2006)
LVMS Construction Update: In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks:
* Begun the construction of the new pit wall in the speedway's tri-oval.
* Completed the demolition of Garage 1 to make way for the new Busch Series garage.
* Begun the demolition of the retaining wall in turns 1 and 2.
* Started the process of replacing the vehicular tunnel to allow for fill to increase the banking in the turns.
* Completed the removal of the old racing surface.
See more at LVMS.com)(5-10-2006)
LVMS Construction Update: In the past week, construction crews have completed the following tasks at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
• Completed the demolition of the old pit road including the removal of all concrete retaining walls and pavement.
• Scraped all asphalt from the back straightaway and have begun the process of building the base to elevate the back stretch.
• Begun the removal of asphalt from all turns and the lights on the inside of the racing surface.
• Removed debris associated with the demolition of the media center.
• Begun the soft demolition of Garage 1, which will be torn down to make way for the new Busch Series garage. See picture at LVMS.com)(5-3-2006)
Demolition of LVMS infield in full force: Construction crews are working in high gear demolishing buildings in the Las Vegas Motor Speedway infield in preparation for the new fan-interactive garage area, media center and track resurfacing. After two weeks of soft demolition, construction crews have knocked down Garage 2 and are in the process of tearing down Garage 3. Speedway officials expect to raze the media center early next week. In addition to tearing down the garages, much of the catch fencing and SAFER barriers around the 1.5-mile superspeedway have been removed. Sod has been extracted from the tri-oval to make way for the
new pit road, which will be approximately 200 feet closer to the grandstand. Crews will begin the process of moving pit road and
re-banking the speedway from 12 to 20 degrees in late April. Once completed, the multi-million project will create a new fan-friendly garage area, a pit road that is much closer to the grandstands, a faster and more competitive racing surface and a new state-of-the-art media center. The track resurfacing and pit road relocation project will be completed in time for the Sept. 23 Las Vegas 350 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event. The new fan-interactive garage area is scheduled to open for the 2007 NASCAR Weekend.(LVMS PR, for images and more, see lvms.com)(4-6-2006)
Martinsville to 1 race, Vegas to 2? Might Martinsville Speedway lose one of its two NASCAR Cup dates to Las Vegas next season? Speculation is growing that something like that might be in the works. If so, Martinsville's fall race - in the middle of NASCAR's championship chase - might be the chip on the table between the France family and Bruton Smith.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-1-2006)
Cup weekend Vegas' biggest sporting event: Acording to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the three-day racing weekend was worth about $167 million to Las Vegas. More important, about $106 million of that was non-gambling revenue. The town used to consider the national rodeo finals as its biggest sporting event, but that 11-day show has clearly been replaced by the NASCAR weekend, according to one executive at Harrah's Casino.(Augusta Chronicle)(3-13-2006)
Threat taken serious: An FBI directive stated that a posting on an extremist message board "advocated suicide attacks against sporting events as a cost-effective means of killing thousands of Americans," according to an ABC News report. The ABC report also states that the government does not believe there is an imminent threat. Sunday's Cup race is expected to draw more than 130,000 fans, making it the largest concentration of Americans at a single sporting event that day. A NASCAR spokesman touts the series security as "some of the best security in sports." NASCAR's head of security is a former secret service officer.(Roanoke Times)(3-11-2006)
Bruton NOT moving a date to Vegas from an SMI track: Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith reiterated Friday that he would not move dates from one of his tracks to add a second date to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Smith did not rule out, however, that he could buy an existing track and request to move that track's Nextel Cup date. SMI-owned tracks host 10 Cup events - two each plus the Nextel All-Star Challenge at Charlotte, as well as two at Bristol, Atlanta and Texas, and one at Infineon Raceway. SMI rival International Speedway Corp. owns most of the rest of the Cup tracks.(SceneDaily.com)(3-11-2006)
Bruton willing to buy Darlington - to move race back to Labor Day weekend: [Speedway Motorsports CEO Bruton] Smith said he would be willing to buy a track with an existing Nextel Cup date, for "$200 million to $250 million, something like that," to bring that date to Las Vegas [Motor Speedway]. And he said he was "trying every week" to make just such a purchase. "What we need to do is buy a speedway ... and I'm hoping one day somebody will give me a phone call or knock on the door, and within 15 minutes the deal will be done," Smith said. "They know I'm here and willing and can write a check." Smith also said he would be interested in buying Darlington Raceway, and picked a $100 million price tag - but not to move the date here, rather he said to return the Southern 500 to its historic Labor Day weekend, to "get it back where it belongs." Smith said his Speedway Motorsports operation is "six to seven years behind this sport. And we are going to work like hell to catch up.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-11-2006)
Trophy Towers to bring luxury living to Vegas: Trophy Towers, a multi-story condominium with panoramic views of both the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and Las Vegas Motor Speedway's 1.5-mile superspeedway, is the latest addition to LVMS's multimillion-dollar makeover. Speedway officials and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman made the announcement Friday. "I have said
many times that I want to make this the greatest speedway in the world," said Bruton Smith, chairman of LVMS's parent company, Speedway Motorsports. "We announced a few weeks ago that we were making major improvements to our infield area and to the racing surface itself. And this is another step in separating this speedway from all others." Smith has overseen condominium projects at three other SMI speedways: Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., Atlanta Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Each project has been met with rave reviews. "When Bruton announced that he was building condominiums in Charlotte, there were a lot of naysayers," said Chris Powell, general manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway. "But the man has been a visionary in this sport. There is no doubt that once Trophy Towers is completed, it will be the talk of the Las Vegas Valley as well as the racing world." In addition to the
private units, Trophy Towers will feature a swimming pool, spa, workout room, private parking and high-tech security. The individual units will range in size from approximately 1,750 square feet to 3,500 square feet for the penthouse. Each condo will have views of both the Strip and the speedway. AI Design Group of Charlotte, N.C., is the architect for the project. AI Design also has planned the speedway's infield renovation and has been involved in man projects at other SMI facilities.(LVMS PR)(3-11-2006)
Vegas Cup race almost Sold Out UPDATE: been told that the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Nextel Cup races is almost sold out and only some single-seat tickets remain. UPDATE: For the fifth consecutive year, Las Vegas Motor Speedway has attained a virtual sellout for the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 Nextel Cup Series race. "The demand for race tickets in Las Vegas continues to increase every time we stage a NASCAR race," said LVMS General Manager Chris Powell. "We're especially thrilled to be announcing this sellout, given that we added the 17,000-seat Richard Petty Terrace for this year's race." A few single seats remain for Sunday's event, but Powell expects them to be sold long before the green flag falls at 1:30pm/pt [4:30pm/et]. Tickets are available for Saturday's Sam's Town 300 Busch Series race, Friday's Nextel Cup qualifying and Thursday and Friday World of Outlaws action at the dirt track. Race fans can call 1-800-644-4444 or log on to www.lvms.com for tickets and information.(LVMS PR)(3-9-2006)
Trick Pony, "Bo Duke," USAF Thunderbirds highlight LVMS pre-races: The hit country music group Trick Pony and John Schneider, best known for his role as Bo Duke on the "Dukes of Hazzard" TV show will sing the National Anthems for the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 and Sam's Town 300. Trick Pony, which was voted the "Top New Vocal Group" be the Academy of Country Music in 2001, will perform "The Star Spangled Banner" prior to the start of the ninth annual UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup race. At the conclusion of the national anthem, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds will perform a flyover in their famous "Delta Formation." Schneider, who has appeared in many Broadway productions and has recently appeared on the TV show "Smallville," will sing the national anthem for the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series race. The hit country band Thunder Road again will perform for one
hour as part of the UAW-DaimlerChrysler pre-race show. And for the third consecutive year, Robin Leach will be the master of ceremonies for the Nextel Cup event. Leach is best known for his longtime role as host of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." Tickets remain available for the March 10-12 NASCAR Weekend. Tickets also are available for the March 9-10 World of Outlaws events on the half-mile dirt oval.(LVMS PR)(3-3-2006)
LVMS expects smooth vehicle flow for NASCAR Weekend: Las Vegas Motor Speedway's ever improving vehicle flow for its March 10-12 NASCAR Weekend should be even better for this year's event, according to LVMS officials. Over the past few years, the completion of the 215 beltway, new interchanges and wider roads have helped make ingress and egress from the speedway's property a constantly improving experience for race fans. The start times for both the March 11 Sam's Town 300 and UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 have been pushed later in the day. The Busch race will start at 3:30pm, while the Nextel Cup event is scheduled for 1:30pm. However, speedway officials are advising fans to come early. Local fans living in the northern and western parts of the valley are encouraged to use the 215 Beltway. Speedway officials also are encouraging as many race fans as possible to use buses and shuttles such as Citizens Area Transit (CAT) for transportation to the races. This year's event also will see a crackdown on the fraudulent use of handicapped placards. Speedway security will be checking the validity of handicapped passes on each vehicle.(LVMS.com/PR)(3-2-2006)
LVMS extends ticket office hours: Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Ticket Services Department has extended its office hours until 7 p.m. Race fans will be able to speak with a Ticket Services representative from 8 a.m. (Pacific Time) until 7 p.m Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday. This will be in effect through the March 10-12 NASCAR Weekend.
As always, race fans can purchase tickets to LVMS events 24 hours a day by logging on to www.lvms.com. A few tickets remain for both the March 12 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 and Sam's Town 300 on March 11. Tickets also are available for the March 9-10 World of Outlaws events on the half-mile dirt track. To reach the Ticket Services department, please call 1-800-644-4444.(LVMS PR)(2-22-2006)
Pocono not selling track or race dates: Dr. Joseph Mattioli, owner of Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Tunkhannock Township, PA, on Friday dismissed published reports that he is considering selling the NASCAR track or the rights to either or both of the two Nextel Cup races it hosts each year. A column published this week on the Internet in Yahoo Sports [NOTE: in the column the writer mentioned "While the following is just hypothesizing, there are some interesting potential scenarios:" then mentioned the possible 'sale'] noted that Bruton Smith, owner of Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Nevada, might try to buy Pocono Raceway from Mattioli. The reasoning runs that owning two racetracks would give Smith more options to schedule races and other events. Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts just one Nextel Cup race per year. Mattioli said no one has approached him recently and in any case he's not interested in selling the raceway. "No, I've never heard of that and no one has discussed it with me," Mattioli said Friday. "Why would I do that?" he added, chuckling. "It makes no sense." Speculation that Smith or other rival track owners might try to buy Pocono Raceway has persisted for years. Published reports from 1999 describe almost the same scenario that was mentioned in the online column this week. Renewed speculation on the future of the raceway ran rampant among the Poconos' political and business communities after the Yahoo column appeared this week.(Pocono Record)(2-4-2006)
More Changes at LVMS coming: Capital improvements at Las Vegas Motor Speedway won’t stop at a new 2007 track configuration, garage area and the interactive fan zone announced Monday. Track owner Bruton Smith told reporters Tuesday he expects Speedway Motorsports Inc [SMI] to spend a whopping $300-million in upgrades over the next 18 months. When questioned by reporters on how the money would be spent Smith would not elaborate. “Whatever we do should be good for the sport" said Smith, "and if we never lose sight of that then NASCAR loves us more everyday and we consistently have to do that. Whatever we do here it’s got to be good for the sport and I think when you see what we’re going to do I think you’ll agree it will be good for the sport.” More announcements are expected during the March 12th Las Vegas race weekend.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(2-1-2006)
Las Vegas to add banking and make changes UPDATE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway is expected to at least double the banking in each turn of its 1.5-mile tri-oval. Construction is to begin immediately after the March 12 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 and be completed before the Sept. 23 Craftsman Truck Series race. "Our company has announced it is going to make a significant capital expense investment at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but on the specifics of those projects I'm not ready to comment," said Chris Powell, the speedway's general manager since late 1998. He did say he expects the speedway to make an announcement about major improvements soon, possibly during an official NASCAR testing session at the track that runs from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1. The Review-Journal has reported that most of the structures in the infield of the 1.5-mile tri-oval will be razed and rebuilt, including most of race-car garage buildings and the combination media center and suite building, after the March race. Pit road also is expected to be replaced by one moved closer to the main grandstand. A source close to the speedway said banking in the corners will go from 12 degrees to 21 degrees, which would allow cars to race faster through the corners at higher speeds and produce more exciting races. Corner banking is 24 degrees at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, N.C., Texas Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, which also are 1.5-mile ovals like the one in Las Vegas that are owned by publicly-held Speedway Motorsports Inc. The speedway seemingly has been in a constant state of construction since it was purchased by Speedway Motorsports in 1998. It currently is completing the Richard Petty Terrace, a 17,000-seat expansion above the first turn that will increase permanent seating to around 141,000.(Las Vegas Review Journal)(1-10-2006) UPDATE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway is going to raze its infield - and raise the bar for all speedways in the process.
A multimillion-dollar renovation project set to begin following this yearís UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 will create a new, fan-friendly garage, add banking to the superspeedway, relocate pit road closer to the grandstands and provide a state-of-the-art media center. "We are going to make Las Vegas Motor Speedway the greatest speedway in the world," said Speedway Motorsports Chairman Bruton Smith. "Las Vegas is all about glitz and glamour. This speedway will be as spectacular as anything on the Las Vegas Strip when we are finished."
The centerpiece of the project will be the new garage area for the Nextel Cup teams and fan interactive area. The garage buildings will be constructed in a diamond shape with the team haulers parked on the outside and fans allowed on the inside. The two-level, four-building garage area will encompass 32,000 square feet. A 52,000-square-foot roof deck will allow fans to look directly down into the individual garage stalls as the teams work on their cars. There also will be windows on the lower level where fans can watch the teams work. In addition to the close proximity of fans and race teams, the fan area will feature concession stands, an area where live bands and other entertainers can perform and other amenities that will set Las Vegas Motor Speedway apart from all others.
"This area will offer a perspective on the sport of auto racing that never has been available to the average race fan," said Chris Powell, LVMS general manager. "And the fan interactive area will bring an element of entertainment that is befitting of the culture of Las Vegas. The possibilities will be limitless." All architectural work on both the garage area and fan interactive area has been done by AI Design of Charlotte, N.C. AI Design also provided the plans for the Dale Earnhardt Terrace and the soon-to-be-opened Richard Petty Terrace at LVMS. "I congratulate Chris Powell and LVMS forlaunching thisimprovement project," said NASCAR Chairman Brian France."The new garage area will give race fans an opportunity to see their favorite drivers up close.The strong relationship between fans and drivers is a NASCAR hallmark, which will be alive and well at LVMS."
The most dramatic changes for the race teams will be the added banking to the superspeedway and the new pit road. The speedwayís turns will change from 12-degree banking to 20 degrees. The new pit road will be 150 feet closer to the grandstands than the current pit road. Eberly and Associates of Atlanta designed the speedwayís new configuration. Eberly was responsible for the redesign of Atlanta Motor Speedway as well as the current configuration of Texas Motor Speedway. "The new track design will offer more side-by-side racing and give our speedway one of the most competitive tracks on the circuit," Powell said. "By moving pit road closer to the grandstands, race fans will have a much crisper view of the exciting action in the pits." The relocated pit road also will allow for the construction of a quarter-mile oval in front of the main grandstand. This track will feature Legends, Bandolero and Thunder Roadster races.
A new media center will be constructed behind the new pit road. The structure will accommodate more than 500 members of the media and will have room for driversí meetings and a full-service spa for the racers and their families. The 58,600-square-foot facility will be equipped with meeting rooms, offices, interview rooms and a cafeteria. The media center will be capped off with a corporate hospitality suite and a veranda on which suite guests can view the races. "Bruton has been a visionary since he began building speedways," Powell said. "But the improvements that he has authorized here in Las Vegas will set a new standard." Construction crews will begin their work immediately following the March 10-12 NASCAR Weekend.(LVMS PR/Site see images)(1-30-2006)
Testing at Las Vegas - Jan 30/31-Feb 1: Las Vegas Motor Speedway has received 41 entries for NASCAR Preseason Thunder Las Vegas. This test session, which many NASCAR drivers are calling the most important of the season, will take place Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. 1. Each team will be allowed to test for two of the three days. The public is invited to watch the test sessions free of charge each day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for the March 10-12 NASCAR Weekend are available by calling 1-800-644-4444 or logging on to www.lvms.com. Here is a tentative list of test dates and drivers: Jan. 30-31: #07-Clint Bowyer, #31-Jeff Burton, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #7-Robby Gordon, #66-Jeff Green, #29-Kevin Harvick, #88-Dale Jarrett, #32-Travis Kvapil, #6-Mark Martin, #26-Jamie McMurray, #38-Elliott Sadler, #00-Hermie Sadler, #21-Ken Schrader, #49-Brent Sherman, #41-Reed Sorenson, #40-David Stremme, #1-Martin Truex Jr., #55-Michael Waltrip and #4-Scott Wimmer. Jan. 31-Feb. 1: #16-Greg Biffle, #22-Dave Blaney, #2-Kurt Busch, #5-Kyle Busch, #99-Carl Edwards, #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #9-Kasey Kahne, #17-Matt Kenseth, #43-Bobby Labonte, #96-Terry Labonte, #14-Sterling Marlin, #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #42-Casey Mears, #01-Joe Nemechek, #12-Ryan Newman, #45-Kyle Petty, #10-Scott Riggs and #25-Brian Vickers. Jan. 30 and Feb. 1: #11-Denny Hamlin, #20-Tony Stewart and #18-J.J. Yeley. PLUS: There will be a major announcement regarding construction projects at LVMS on Monday, January 30th at LVMS.(LVMS)(1-26-2006)
More motorhome spots available at Las Vegas: Race fans who desire to watch the races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway from the comfort of their motorhomes will have more opportunities than ever this year. The speedway announced Wednesday that more motorhome spots overlooking the speedway in Turn 3 are now available for the March 10-12 NASCAR Weekend. "The construction of the 17,000-seat Richard Petty Terrace has increased our permanent seating capacity dramatically," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "The additional permanent seating means we no longer will need to construct the bleachers outside Turn 3. That is prime real estate for today's luxury motorhomes. And for the increasing number of fans who choose to stay on the property during our event weekend, this is a perfect opportunity. LVMS remains one of the most 'motorhome friendly' speedways in the sport." A limited number of these spaces is available by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-644-4444. In addition to the motorhome spot, purchasers will receive six wristbands for guest admittance to this motorhome area as well as six grandstand tickets for the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series event on Saturday, March 11. Some seats remain for the March 12 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup event and the Sam's Town 300. Three-day pit passes, pre-race activities passes and Lucky 7 parking passes also are available through the LVMS ticket office.(LVMS PR)(1-13-2006)
Vegas Starting Times Set...Busch to end under the lights UPDATE: The lights of Las Vegas will shine on the Busch Series in 2006. A nighttime finish for the 10th running of the Sam's Town 300 highlights the event schedule for the 2006 NASCAR Weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. On Monday, speedway officials announced starting times for races and qualifying sessions for the March 10-12 event. The most significant changes from previous years involve the Sam's Town 300. For the first time at LVMS, Busch cars will qualify and race on the same day. Time trials for the Sam's Town 300 are set for 12:05pm on Saturday, March 11 and the race will begin at 3:20pm. The late start of the Busch race should guarantee a finish under the lights. "We've run several successful NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races at night here, but we're looking forward to our Busch race finishing under the lights for the first time," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "There's an excitement level associated with racing at night that gets fans on the edge of their seats." The NASCAR Nextel Cup event will start at 12:05pm/pt on Sunday, March 12. Qualifying for the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 is set for Friday, March 10 at 3:40pm/pt. The Busch cars will practice on Friday and there will be two Nextel Cup practice sessions on Saturday morning prior to Busch qualifying. Tickets are on sale for the NASCAR Weekend by calling 1-800-644-4444 or by logging on to www.lvms.com. LVMS also had a limited number of three-day pit passes, pre-race activities passes and Lucky 7 parking passes available through its ticket office.(LVMS PR)(12-13-2005) UPDATE: The start time for the March 12, 2006 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway has been changed to
1:40pm/pt. The speedway had announced a 12:05pm/pt start time, but after discussions with NASCAR officials, the decision was made to move the start back 95 minutes.(LVMS PR)(12-14-2005)
Installation of seats under way in Richard Petty Terrace at LVMS The Richard Petty Terrace at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is getting colorful this holiday season. Construction crews have begun the installation of the bright red, white and blue seats in the 17,000-seat grandstand. The flip-down, chair seats include cup holders and will give race fans a spectacular view of the racing action.
"The construction crews have been working hard on this project since late spring," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "They've
been grading land, pouring concrete and erecting steel for the past few months, and it's refreshing to see this magnificent grandstand taking shape." The grandstand will be open for the March 10-12, 2006 NASCAR Weekend. It was similar to the Dale Earnhardt Terrace, which opened in 2004. Tickets are available by calling 1-800-644-4444 or by logging on to www.lvms.com. Race fans also can purchase three-day pit passes, Lucky
7 preferred parking passes and pre-race activities passes through the speedway ticket office.(LVMS)(12-9-2005)
Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities grants awarded: The Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities held its annual Grant Distribution and Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Tuesday, Nov. 29.
The Las Vegas Chapter granted $275,000 to 67 local children's charities at the ceremony, an increase of 16 groups from 2004. Honored guests included Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and Secretary of State Dean Heller as well as representatives from Senator John Ensign and Congressman Jim Gibbon's offices. The evening's festivities included holiday vocal selections by Malia Civetz, and performances by the Mariachi Band from J.D. Smith Middle School and Culture Shock Las Vegas inner city dance troupe. Fundraising events for the 2005 season included the seventh annual NASCAR Driver Auction at Sam's Town Live!, the chapter's third annual golf tournament, the inaugural Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament at the Cannery Hotel and Casino, and the Run-for-the-Money competition at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(LVMS PR)(12-5-2005)
Unveiling of Las Vegas's latest attraction - Earnhardt wax figure UPDATE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway general manager Chris Powell will be on hand Wednesday to help unveil the newest Las Vegas motorsports attraction. Powell will join Adrian Jones, general manager of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, as they unveil a $200,000 life-size wax figure of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt. The Earnhardt figure will be the first piece of the new "Speed" exhibit opening at Madame Tussauds at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. "Dale Earnhardt was one of the great racers and champions in the history of motorsports," Powell said. "In 2004, Las Vegas Motor Speedway honored Dale by naming a fabulous grandstand, the Dale Earnhardt Terrace, in his memory. Similarly, the tribute to Dale by Madame Tussauds points up the importance of Dale's role in motorsports. And the coming 'Speed' attraction, featuring additional legendary drivers, also illustrates the strong link and enormous popularity of NASCAR racing in our great city. We at the speedway are honored to be a part of it." Tickets are on sale in both the Earnhardt and new Richard Petty Terrace for the March 10-12, 2006 NASCAR Weekend at LVMS. Race fans can order tickets by calling 1-800-644-4444 or logging on to www.lvms.com.(PR)(8-24-2005)
LVMS General Manager Chris Powell [left] and Madame Tussauds GM Adrian Jones [right]
UPDATE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway General Manager Chris Powell joined Adrian Jones, general manager of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, in an unveiling of a first-of-its-kind wax likeness of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Wednesday. A meticulously recreated $200,000 life-size wax figure of Earnhardt, dressed in an official driving uniform, complete with cap, jacket and sunglasses, was unveiled during ceremonies that opened the attraction to the public. The figure of Earnhardt is standing in a Victory Lane setting with arms raised in triumph just as he had done 76 times in his NASCAR career. Earnhardt is the first auto racing legend to have a wax figure in the SPEED attraction. Visitors to Madame Tussauds can stand next to the Earnhardt figure and be photographed with it while experiencing the sights and sounds of one of the most thrilling moments in NASCAR history. "Dale Earnhardt introduced the sport of auto racing to millions and his presence best represents the country's fastest-growing spectator sport," Jones said. "Madame Tussauds is dedicating this attraction to auto racing on a long-term basis and we will update this experience with additional $200,000 wax figures of famous auto racing legends on a regular basis. But, when we asked our customers and auto racing fans who should be first, a great majority said Earnhardt." Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is open seven days a week. For attraction hours and pricing, call 702-862-7800, or visit online at www.mtvegas.com.(LVMS PR)(8-25-2005)
Bill would let Las Vegas buy 115 acres The Las Vegas Motor Speedway could expand by 115 acres under legislation explored Wednesday by a U.S. Senate subcommittee. The land would provide additional parking for spectators at the 1,200-acre racetrack, according to a bill introduced in April by Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev. The land, now controlled by the Bureau of Land Management, would be sold directly to the speedway after an appraisal by a BLM-approved examiner, according to the bill.
BLM and congressional officials said they had no estimate of the property's value. Speedway officials approached Ensign for the land, which is a sand and gravel pit next to the venue. Though not yet under strain, the speedway could use more parking to accommodate expansion, General Manager Chris Powell said. A 17,000-seat grandstand is slated to open in 2006, he said. The speedway also hopes to host a second NASCAR event each year in addition to the NASCAR Nextel Cup, which drew 156,000 people March 13. Though the speedway can handle 25,000 cars, Powell said, 115 additional acres would translate into roughly 33 percent more parking. "It's very important to us getting this parking, in an effort to get that second NASCAR event."(Las Vegas Review Journal)(7-22-2005)
Petty and Earnhardt Terrace seats at LVMS now on sale: The seats with the greatest views in motorsports are on sale now at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Tickets in the new Richard Petty Terrace and Dale Earnhardt Terrace are available to all race fans wanting to attend next year's UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup event and the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series race. The seats offer excellent sight lines of the entire speedway and a panoramic view of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.
While sanction agreements for the NASCAR Nextel Cup/Busch Series events have not yet been signed, the dates for the 2006 NASCAR Weekend in Las Vegas are tentatively set for March 10-12. While it's unlikely that those time slots would change, dates are not official until the signing of the sanction agreements. LVMS will make an announcement as soon as the dates become final.
Race fans who purchase tickets for the Petty and Earnhardt terraces also will receive tickets to Pole Day during the spring event
as well as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in the fall of 2006. All Petty and Earnhardt terrace ticket holders will have the opportunity to renew their seats each year. All other tickets for the 2006 NASCAR Weekend will go on sale Sept. 12. Fans can buy their tickets by calling the speedway box office at 1-800-644-4444 or by logging onto www.lvms.com.(LVMS PR)(6-28-2005)
Grandstand demolition makes way for Petty Terrace at LVMS: The latest phase of Las Vegas Motor Speedway's expansion began in earnest Wednesday with the demolition of the upper Section 1 grandstand. Construction crews will spend the next week clearing debris from the area, diverting parts of Checkered Flag Lane and relocating palm tress in preparation for the construction of the 17,000-seat Richard Petty Terrace. "We're always making improvements here at LVMS, but this construction project is on a much grander scale," said Chris Powell, LVMS general manager. "We look at today's demolition as a sign of progress. We opened the Dale Earnhardt Terrace to rave reviews in 2004, and we think fans sitting in the Petty Terrace will be equally happy with this magnificent seating area. "We are close to completing the renewal process for the 2006 event. Based on the current renewal rate, the demand for tickets is
higher than ever as we prepare to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Las Vegas Motor Speedway next year." The Petty Terrace will be open for the March, 2006 NASCAR Weekend. Tickets in the Petty Terrace are slated to go on sale in July. All other tickets will be available in September. The Petty Terrace will be complete with individual, flip-down seats with cup holders. These seats will provide race fans a clear view of pit road and the cars as they leave the pits.(LVMS site, see some pics)(6-16-2005)
Changes at Vegas: Before the 2007 Cup race in Las Vegas, he [Bruton Smith] expects more than 150,000 spectators to see a completely rebuilt infield that will move pit road several hundred feet closer to the grandstand. A new media center and team garages will be erected, new spectator areas created and more space will be available for infield parking -- and partying. He expects those projects will cost around $50 million, and he might rebuild the 1.5-mile track [like Homestead did] to improve the qualify of racing.(Las Vegas Review Journal)(6-6-2005)
LVMS to offer "suite" deal to a lucky ticket buyer: Las Vegas Motor Speedway is rewarding a lucky ticket buyer with a free upgrade to suite passes for the 2006 NASCAR Weekend. Anyone who purchases tickets for next year's event before Christmas will be entered into a drawing for the suite upgrades. Anyone who has renewed their tickets from previous years will automatically be entered into the drawing. The drawing will be held in January. The NASCAR Weekend is scheduled for March 10-12, 2006. Race fans can purchase tickets to all of these events by calling 1-800-644-4444 or by logging on to lvms.com.(LVMS)(11-29-2005)
One Week left to get Vegas tix by Christmas: Race fans planning to give NASCAR tickets as Christmas gifts have one week remaining in order to ensure delivery by Dec. 25. Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Ticket Services department will guarantee a pre-Christmas delivery of any tickets ordered by Nov. 30. Tickets ordered after Nov. 30 are not guaranteed to arrive by the holiday season. NASCAR Weekend in Las Vegas is set for March 10-12, 2006. Tickets in the new 17,000-seat Richard Petty Terrace, as well as
the Dale Earnhardt Terrace, are available. Assorted other tickets in the grandstands also remain. Race fans also can purchase weekend pit passes, pre-race activities passes and Lucky 7 preferred parking passes through the speedway ticket office by calling 1-800-644-4444 or logging on to www.lvms.com.(LVMS PR)(11-23-2005)
NASCAR tickets go on sale Monday at LVMS: Tickets for the March 10-12, 2006 NASCAR Weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will go on public sale Monday at 8 a.m. Race fans can call 1-800-644-4444 or log on to www.lvms.com to purchase tickets. Las Vegas Motor Speedway also is offering weekend pit passes and pre-race activities passes. The pit passes, which must be accompanied by a ticket and are not to be confused with garage passes, allow fans access to the infield and pit-road areas during practice, qualifying and pre-race. The pre-race activities passes allow fans to stand on the racing surface in front of the stage during Sunday's driver introductions and VIP speeches.(LVMS)(9-9-2005)
LVMS to collect donations to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina: Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be collecting money
throughout the month of September to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina, speedway officials announced Wednesday. Speedway personnel and competitors will collect funds at every LVMS event. The money will be turned over to the Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross. The money then will be sent to Red Cross chapters in the Gulf Coast region. "Our hearts go out to all of those people who have been affected by the storm," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "It seems that with every news report that comes in there is another heartbreaking story. We want to do our part to assist in the relief efforts, and we hope that we are just one of thousands of organizations that will help in the relief effort." The Red Cross has asked for monetary donations instead of clothing or canned goods due to the cost of transporting the material cross country. Over the next three weeks, collections will be taken at the gates at both the Bullring and the Strip. In addition, racers will come through the stands at each event and take collections prior to the start of racing action. Plans still are being finalized between the speedway and the Red Cross to arrange for the collection of donations during the Las Vegas
Double Down featuring the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Champ Car World Series on Sept. 24.(LVMS PR)(8-31-2005)
NASCAR Weekend at Las Vegas nets record $167 million for economy: The 2005 NASCAR Weekend in Las Vegas had a record $167 million impact on the state's economy, the greatest expenditure figure in the eight-year history of the event and an astounding 17.1% increase from 2004. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's annual study revealed that the final number was $167,127,800, up from $142,673,400 in 2004. The numbers, a product of one-time expenditures, are based on interviews with race fans during the March 11-13 weekend and reflect the amount of money spent - both gaming and non-gaming - during the four-day event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The study estimated approximately 99,300 visitors attended the race from outside Southern Nevada. The event weekend is estimated to have drawn more than 340,000 people through the gates at the speedway. The events included the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup event, the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series race, Friday's qualifying day and two nights of the J.D. Byrider Las Vegas Outlaw Nationals for the World of Outlaws. See full story and charts at LVMS.com.(6-2-2005)
Bruton Looking to Buy Track and Move Date: Bruton Smith [SMI, owns Atlanta, Bristol, Las Vegas, Lowe's MS, Texas and Infineons] said he's trying to purchase another speedway that has a Nextel Cup event so he can transfer that Cup date to his Las Vegas track: "I work on that every week. It's very difficult, but it's a no-brainer that the entertainment capital of the world should have two Cup races."(Dallas Morning News)(4-29-2005)
2006 Schedule, bidding for finale? Darlington race date to be sold? UPDATE Denied: NASCAR executives are working on the 2006 Nextel Cup tour schedule, and one suggestion from teams in the garage is for NASCAR to move the season finale to different tracks, as the Super Bowl is moved, with that date up for bids to the track owner willing to post the largest purse. But there are indications that the International Speedway Corp.[ISC] may be willing to sell Darlington Raceway and its lone remaining Cup tour date to track owner Bruton Smith, to move that tour date to Las Vegas, for a Cup event during the last 10 weeks of the 2006 season. And Smith would be willing to bid on being the host for the season finale at Las Vegas Speedway.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-4-2005) UPDATE: Darlington Raceway president Chris Browning got a call Tuesday that sent him scrambling: Was International Speedway Corp. contemplating a sale of the old country track to its rival? So Browning, who was displaced when North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham was sold last year, called down to the company's Daytona Beach, Fla., headquarters to find out. "They told me, 'Hey, nothing to it, buddy,' " Browning told The Associated Press. "That was good enough for me. There's absolutely no truth to the rumors whatsoever," he said. "I don't know where they got started." Smith was unavailable Tuesday and the company doesn't comment "on speculative opinions expressed by other sources outside the company," spokesman Jerry Gappens said. Smith has said previously he would "welcome the opportunity to explore additional NASCAR-sanctioned events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway," Gappens said.
International Speedway Corp. spokesman David Talley said there's been no talk of selling Darlington, which has hosted NASCAR events since 1950. His company's focus, he said, is developing tracks in the New York City area and the Pacific northwest. Also, recent improvements at Darlington like its multimillion-dollar lighting system mean "you can surmise that we are very behind the track," Talley said. Browning expects to announce more capital improvements in the coming weeks that will add to the track's viability.(CNNSI/AP) AND Jim Hunter, NASCAR’s vice president for corporate communications, said that’s not the case. “Bruton said something to the affect if Darlington was for sale, he would be interested in buying it,” Hunter said. “In the liberal translation of that it has become ‘planning to buy it. But it’s not for sale. There are no plans for it to be for sale. There’s absolutely no merit to that rumor.”(The State)(4-6-2005)
Bruton looking to buy Darlington? UPDATE: Bruton Smith, whose Speedway Motorsports owns Atlanta Motor Speedway, is making noise over getting another Cup date for one of his tracks [Las Vegas]. Speculation has it that Smith is looking at buying Daytona Beach-based International Speedway Corporation's Darlington Speedway -- now pared to one Cup date -- closing it down and plugging its Cup date into one of his tracks, elsewhere.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(3-20-2005) UPDATE: The future of Darlington Raceway is again the subject of speculation - that the France family's International Speedway Corp. may sell the South Carolina track to promoter Bruton Smith so he can move Darlington's remaining Nextel Cup date to Las Vegas Speedway next season [and squash the Atlanta to Vegas runor]. The Frances were on the verge of selling Darlington to Smith last year, for just such a Cup swap, only to back off at the last moment. One reason for adding a second date in Las Vegas would be to increase the value of NASCAR's pending new TV contracts, currently under negotiation.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-21-2005)
Las Vegas to add more seats for 2006 UPDATE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway is expected today to announce it will make its second major grandstand expansion in two years. The speedway will expand the grandstand near Turn 1 of its 1.5-mile tri-oval, a track source said, to include a structure similar to the 22,000-seat Dale Earnhardt Terrace in Turn 4 that opened in time for last year's Nextel Cup race. It's likely the plans had been discussed for at least a year, but any doubts about the costly venture were dashed when the speedway sold out its 144,000 permanent seats for today's eighth annual UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup race more than a month ago. Once those seats sold, the speedway began erecting temporary grandstands in the third turn, and those estimated 12,000 seats had sold out by Saturday afternoon. The attendance today should be around 156,000, which would shatter the record of 145,275 set in 2003.(Las Vegas Review Journal)(3-13-2005) UPDATE: Like the city for which it's named, Las Vegas Motor Speedway is expanding. LVMS officials announced that a grandstand will be built in time for the 2006 NASCAR Weekend. The seating capacity for the new structure has not yet been determined, but it likely will exceed 14,000. The grandstand will be named in honor of Richard Petty, the seven-time NASCAR champion. The "Richard Petty Terrace" will feature "flip-down" seats and extra amenities such as dedicated restrooms and concessions and will be located above the current Section 1, adjacent to LVMS's Turn 1. "The growth of Las Vegas and the demand for tickets at Las Vegas Motor Speedway are remarkably similar," said Chris Powell, LVMS general manager. "Las Vegas is the fastest-growing community in the country. Today's announcement reflects that growth as well as the tremendous energy around motorsports here in Southern Nevada." Powell said the idea of naming the new structure for NASCAR's "King" was a simple one. "Bruton and I discussed it, and we agreed there was truly only one choice," Powell said of Bruton Smith, chairman of LVMS's parent company, Speedway Motorsports Inc. "There are only two seven-time NASCAR champions, and the addition of the Richard Petty Terrace gives our speedway grandstands named in honor of both of them." The decision to build additional seating at LVMS comes just a year after the completion of the Dale Earnhardt Terrace. LVMS's current capacity stands at 122,000 permanent seats, excluding suites and those watching from motorhome locations.(LVMS PR)(3-14-2005)
Las Vegas MS stops selling alcohol before the end of the race: For the first time in track history, Las Vegas Motor Speedway stopped selling alcohol before the end of Saturday's NASCAR Busch race and will do the same before today's Nextel Cup race ends. Las Vegas is believed to be among the first NASCAR-sanctioned tracks to ban alcohol sales. Infineon Raceway has cut alcohol sales before the end of the Cup race the last five years. Recent events, including a $105 million court verdict, could lead more tracks to limit when fans purchase alcohol. A Lowe's Motor Speedway spokesperson said Saturday that track officials have discussed stopping alcohol sales at a certain point but have not made a decision. Saturday, Las Vegas Motor Speedway alerted fans that it would stop alcohol sales after lap 170 of the 200-lap Busch series race. The track is expected to cut alcohol sales around lap 225 in today's 267-lap race. Cutting alcohol sales before an event ends has become common in other professional sports but not in racing. Last month, the NBA announced that it would prohibit the sale of alcohol in the fourth quarter, restrict the size of drinks to 24 ounces and limit fans to two drinks. The changes came in response to the brawl last November between Detroit fans and members of the Indiana Pacers. While that fight gained more publicity, a New Jersey court case also is causing sports franchises and beverage vendors to reexamine their policies. A State Superior Court judge upheld a $105 million verdict on March 4 against a Giants Stadium concessionaire for selling beer to a drunken football fan who later caused an accident, leaving a girl paralyzed. The company, Aramark, plans to appeal the verdict.(News and Record)(3-13-2005)
Ticket Packages Still Available for Vegas: What are your plans for this weekend? [well....working the site, doing semi-live qualifying, watching the race, Enterprise and Deadwood]. How do sunny skies, an average temperature of 80 degrees, America's greatest city and the excitement of NASCAR sound? For less than $1,000, those of you in the northeast can escape the bitter cold and rainy weekend and head to beautiful Las Vegas to attend the Sam's Town 300 on March 12 and the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 on March 13. "This is the perfect weekend escape from the harsh weather in many of the major eastern cities," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "This may be the best forecast we have ever had for a NASCAR Weekend. It's the perfect weekend junket for any NASCAR fan."
Airfare from most major northeastern cities, including Boston, Washington, D.C., and New York is less than $500 and hotel-room rates have dropped in recent weeks. Triple Play tickets still are available for $119. They provide race fans a bleacher seat for the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup event on March 13, a reserved grandstand seat for the Sam's Town 300 Busch Series event on March 12 and a general admission ticket for the Las Vegas Double Down on Sept. 24 featuring the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Champ Car World Series.
Tickets and information are available at www.lvms.com, or 1-800-644-4444.(LVMS PR)(3-9-2005)
