Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Las Vegas Motor Speedway stands as one of Nevada's premier racing facilities, located just north of the famous Las Vegas Strip. This 1,200-acre complex combines speed, technology, and entertainment to create a world-class racing destination in the desert landscape. Since its completion in 1996, the speedway has grown from a simple oval track to a multi-faceted racing venue that hosts some of the most prestigious motorsport events in North America.

Track Layout and Specifications

The centerpiece of Las Vegas Motor Speedway is its 1.5-mile tri-oval superspeedway. The track features distinctive progressive banking in the turns, starting at 12 degrees at the bottom and increasing to 20 degrees at the top. This design allows drivers to find multiple racing lines through corners, creating opportunities for passing and side-by-side racing. The straightaways have 9 to 12 degrees of banking, with a frontstretch measuring 2,275 feet and a backstretch spanning 1,572 feet. The asphalt surface provides excellent grip for the high speeds achieved at this circuit.

Additional Racing Configurations

Beyond the main tri-oval, Las Vegas Motor Speedway houses several other racing surfaces. The Bullring, a 0.375-mile paved oval, hosts local short-track racing events. A 0.5-mile clay oval caters to dirt racing enthusiasts. The facility also features two road courses: a 1.1-mile inside course with 9 turns and a more extensive 2.4-mile outside course with 12 turns that can be arranged in different configurations. For drag racing fans, the speedway includes a quarter-mile drag strip that hosts NHRA events.

Historical Development

Racing in Las Vegas has deep roots, dating back to the Stardust International Raceway that operated until 1970. The current site began as the Las Vegas Speedrome in 1972, initially featuring a drag strip and a 1.6-mile road course. In 1985, local drag racer Alex Rodriguez added the 0.375-mile Bullring oval, expanding the facility's capabilities. The modern era began in 1996 with the completion of the 1.5-mile superspeedway, which hosted its first major event—an IndyCar race won by Richie Hearn. Speedway Motorsports Inc. purchased the complex in 1998, and in 2006, the track underwent significant renovations that included its current progressive banking.

Major Racing Events

NASCAR competition forms the backbone of Las Vegas Motor Speedway's annual calendar. The track hosts two NASCAR Cup Series races each year: the Pennzoil 400 in spring and the South Point 400 in fall, which serves as a NASCAR playoff race. Supporting NASCAR events include Xfinity Series races (the LiUNA 300 and Focused Health 302) and Truck Series competitions. The speedway has also hosted IndyCar racing from 1996-2000 and again in 2011 with the IZOD IndyCar World Championship. The NHRA Nevada Nationals brings drag racing action to the venue annually.

Facilities and Features

Las Vegas Motor Speedway offers seating for approximately 80,000 spectators. The Neon Garage gives fans an interactive experience with viewing platforms and entertainment areas. The facility provides modern media centers, high-speed Wi-Fi, and excellent sight lines throughout the venue. Beyond motorsports, the speedway hosts the Electric Daisy Carnival music festival, which has been held at the track since 2011. This versatility has earned Las Vegas Motor Speedway its nickname: "The Diamond in the Desert."