PREVIEW - LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Including driver's appearances, stuff to do, schedule, ticket info, speedway info & more.
7000 Las Vegas Boulevard N Las Vegas, NV 89115
2009 MISC. TRACK NEWS:
We've lowered our concessions prices on all beverages and soft drinks, and for those arriving early, have a $2 breakfast combo consisting of a breakfast sandwich and coffee.
All fans with Neon Garage passes will notice is the open autograph windows in each driver's garage bay. These windows can be opened only from the inside by the race teams, but rest assured that many of the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series feel the same way that we do about our race fans, they'll be eager to sign your hats, programs and souvenirs. And if you have a weekend Neon Garage pass, don't forget you'll receive a 1:64-scale replica of the Earnhardt-Elvis Legacy Series car that will be unveiled Friday in the Neon Garage.
Fast Chats sessions in the midway, where various drivers and NASCAR-related celebrities will take questions from you, the race fan. We'll post the driver lineup and schedule to our website prior to the race. These Q&A sessions will take place in the area near the SPEED stage (behind the main grandstand). There is no charge for race fans to attend Fast Chats as the lively question-and-answer sessions will take place on the LVMS midway, outside the entry gates. A daily chat schedule will be posted near the SPEED Stage.
If you need assistance at any time during your visit, please call our fan assistance hotline at
(702) 632-8006 or text 37686.
2009 Directions to LVMS:
02/23/09 UPDATE FROM TRACK: More than any previous year, race fans attending Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Feb. 27-March 1 NASCAR Weekend events are advised to use mass transportation or alternate routes due to a highway improvement project on Interstate 15.
From California,Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas :
Take I-15 North to Exit #54 (Speedway Blvd) Speedway is about 12 miles north of downtown Las Vegas. Alternate route is Las Vegas Boulevard North, but this route is not recommended.
Take Exit 54, using either the LEFT LANE or CENTER LANE on the ramp. Stay in your lane until you pass through the intersection into the BLUE LOT. Following the Lot 7 signs, proceed on the paved road in either of the designated lanes. Turn right at Wally Parks Lane. Turn right across from the main entrance to the dragstrip. Attendants will direct you to your space.
From Salt Lake City,St.George and Mesquite :
Take I-15 South to Exit #54 (Speedway Blvd)
From Laughlin and Boulder City :
Take US-93/95 to I-15 North, Follow I-15 North to Exit #54 (Speedway Blvd)
ONLY THING I SEE THAT IS NEW: The speedway is reminding race fans using Interstate 15 that there are three exit lanes on the ramp leading into the speedway. Local fans living in the northern and western parts of the valley are encouraged to use the 215 Beltway.
2009 NASCAR Weekend Bus Information
For those who have used the Citizens Area Transit ("CAT") buses in the past, a new option is Coach America. Coach America will be filling many of the same routes as the CAT buses have in the past. Race fans can contact Coach America at nascar.coachamerica.com or (702) 948-7360.
For those wishing to take a private charter to the races, LVMS recommends Key Tours. Key Tours has been providing service to the speedway for several years, and we vouch for the quality of its service. Key Tours can be contacted at www.keytourslv.com or 1-800-261-2691.MORE
FROM JOHN O.: We used the CAT buses to go to and from the track. It is the quickest and least expensive way to go. Unless you want to leave before the race is ended. Then you might be able to beat the traffic. We did not have to leave for the track extremely early to catch the bus, but we did wait at the track till late to catch the buses back. For instance, Saturday, we sat and watch the Petty Driving school, after the Busch race, and Sunday, we watched NASCAR Victory Lane outside the track. Also, if you stay in the downtown hotels, your are no more than 2 blocks from the bus stops. Speaking of bus stops, going to the track, use the bus stop on Las Vegas Blvd, and use the bus station stop coming back from the track. The bus pass for the weekend, costs $25 per person, or $5 per person each way, taxi ride one way is minimum $8, and could be much more if there is traffic.
FROM KIM: I just want to recommend that anyone going to the speedway seriously consider taking the CAT. We drove on Saturday for the Busch race and after the race it took almost 4 hours to go from the Speedway parking lot to the hotel (located on Flamingo Road). There is minimal direction of traffic. On Sunday we took the CAT and it was just slightly over one hour. The CAT is able to drive through Nellis Air Force Base, thus eliminating most of the traffic. I also recommend that individuals get the FASTPASS for the CAT....getting this ahead of time meant we were able to load first on the buses rather than those paying on site to ride the bus...plus we saved $5!
FROM BLAINE: Black Flag on Coach America. They overbooked their buses this year. Getting to the track was easy. They did a nice job of getting us out there and they had a route through Ellis Air Force Base that avoided all the traffic. Getting OUT was where things got ugly. What Coach America didn't seem to plan for was when the race is over, everybody shows up looking for a bus all at once. On Friday it wasn't bad. On Saturday, the lineup was at LEAST 1000 people deep just to board a bus. I have no idea what time the folks near the back actually got out of there. On Sunday,
we bolted the second Kyle Busch was done the burnout. We literally jogged all the way from the main grandstand to the bus stop out by turn 2. We got there and we were already about 400th in line. It took us over 90 minutes just to get on a bus. Behind us, there had to be another 1500
people still in line. I would honestly suggest looking at other options.
Parking Lots 2009
Blue parking lot - Accessible only from I-15. This lot is recommended for fans seated in sections 2-3-4. Parking in this area is free.
Brown parking lot - Accessible only from Las Vegas Boulevard (northbound) using gates 1 or 3. This lot is recommended for fans seated in section 1. Parking in this area is free.
Yellow parking lot - Accessible only from Las Vegas Boulevard (southbound) using gate 9. This lot is recommended for fans seated in sections 4L through 9. Parking in this area is free.
Handicapped parking lot – Accessible from I-15 or from Hollywood Boulevard. Enter the Blue lot and follow signs to Handicapped parking lot. A current handicapped placard is required in this area.
RV parking - El Monte RV lot accessible from gate 1 using Las Vegas Boulevard. Call ticket office in advance to guarantee a space is available (1-800-644-4444). Any vehicles parked overnight without a pass are subject to tow.
Lots 2-3 (Infield parking) – Accessible from Las Vegas Boulevard (northbound) through gate 4. Follow signs to lots 2-3. A parking pass and credential is required in this area.
Lot 2-A – Accessible from Las Vegas Boulevard (northbound) through gate 4. Follow signs to lot 2-A. A credential is required in this area.
Lot 4 (Vegas Club) – Accessible from Hollywood Boulevard using I-15 or Las Vegas Boulevard. A lot 4 parking pass is required in this area.
Lot 5 (VIP Suites) - Accessible from Hollywood Boulevard using I-15 or Las Vegas Boulevard. A lot 5 parking pass is required in this area.
Lot 6 (Hospitality Village) - Accessible only from I-15. Enter the Blue lot at exit 54 and follow the signs to lot 6. A lot 6 parking pass is required in this area.
Lot 7 (Preferred parking) – Accessible only from I-15. Enter the Blue lot at exit 54 and follow the signs to lot 7. A lot 7 parking pass is required in this area.
from gospeedwayforums.com: on the side of Las Vegas Blvd. OPPOSITE the Track there is some BLM Land. On this land, sometimes Race Fans exhausted from the struggle just to get to LVMS, have a desire to park there, or perhaps all the parking lots are full...so here we have a Rental Car full of Race Fans holding hundreds of dollars worth of tickets and they are at the end of their
collective rope...DO NOT PARK THERE!! There was a FLEET of tow trucks there towing vehicles away..to who knows where..and it undoubtably costs big bucks to get your car out of jail, where ever THAT is....I do not know if there is any signage out there, warning drivers to not park there
Public Transportation:
LVMS Encourages the use of public transportation and other suttle services during the annual NASCAR Weekend.
CAT Bus: www.catride.com or 800 228-3911
Speedway Shuttle Services: 877-212-7642
Bell Trans: 702 739-7990
CLS Transportation: 702 740-4545
Gray Line : 702 739-5700
Star Transit: 702 565-7087
Ray and Ross Airport Express: 702 261-3230
Shuttle Service
Airport Shuttle (702) 360-6160
Bell Trans (702) 739-7990
CLS Transportation (702) 740-4545
Gray Line (702) 739-5700
Star Transit (702) 565-7087
Ray and Ross Airport Express (702) 261-3230
Action Racing Shuttles 702.367.4141
Departing from LVMS
Cars in the "A" quadrant will be diverted through the Speedway Commerce Center for access to Hollywood Blvd. You will then proceed south on Hollywood Blvd towards Las Vegas Blvd. At Las Vegas Blvd you will be directed to turn right into the right-hand shoulder lane. You may use this lane all the way to Craig Rd. At Craig Rd you will be directed to turn right. (Tip: If you are traveling to the Strip, consider turning left on Lamb Rd, approximatley 1 mile after you get on Craig. Follow Lamb- it turns into Desert Inn- all the way to the Strip area.)
Cars in the "B" quandrant will be directed west on Speedway Blvd. for direct access to I-15 southbound. Please keep in mind that access to I-15 northbound is not permitted at exit 54. To access I-15 north, take I-15 south and get off at the first exit (215 Beltway). You can re-enter I-15 north by turning left on Range Rd. (Tip: If you are traveling to the Strip, consider taking the 215 Beltway, approximately 8 miles, to US 95 south. This avoids the congestion that develops on I-15 between the Speedway and the downtown area. Take 95 south to I-15 south and exit nearest your Strip location.
2010 LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE
TICKETS and Pit passes - 2009
2009 NASCAR Weekend Packages. $117- $949 Click Here
FROM ROY G: I would avoid Red section in stands 1, 2, and 3. These are the seats closest to the track on the front stretch. You cannot see the backstretch over the garages & press center. Get White if you can, Blue is best. Stands 4 are in turns 3 & 4. These offer an o.k. view, but you will be looking into the sun all afternoon. There isn't a bad seat in Earhardt Terrace. They are stadium seats with cup holders on the backs of the seat in front of you. (Some end of row seats don't have seats in front of them, meaning you don't get a cup holder, but I decided that I like having the room to stretch out!) The Terrace is above the blue rows coming out of turn 4. I've not seen the new Petty Terrace, but can only assume the view is just as good.
FROM KIM: anyone planning to be in the pits and garage area, bring water and snacks as there are no concession stands outside of the Neon Garage in the infield.
FROM BLAINE: The Neon Garage is totally cool. However... also totally expensive! If you want to do the garage passes, I recommend buying a Saturday only pass. That's when the most stuff is going on (2 cup practices, NW qualifying). I noticed that those "autograph flaps" they installed in the garage stalls went almost completely unused. Most teams left them closed the entire time.
WHAT YOU CAN BRING INTO LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Obviously NOTHING! BOO TO BRUTON...HE'S ACTING LIKE ISC. See emails I received below:
BLACK FLAG FROM Pocono Mike: Going to 3/05 race. With my tickets I received info that can not bring coolers, food or beverage into track including water. First trip to Vegas. Been to Darlington, Bristol, Martinsville, Lowes and Poconos. Never been told I can't bring in water. Wrote a nasty email to VP Sales/Marketing about my first and last trip to LVMS. I can afford a truckload of water, but I worry about the family that saves all year to go to just ONE race. Told them I was emailing Mayor, Chamber of Commerce, State Bureau of Tourism and race fan sites to tell them that these (2) Pocono Mountain(5 miles from the track) race fans ain't coming back with their money.
BLACK FLAG FROM JOHN O: you are not permitted to bring in ANY food or drinks. Nothing at all, each bag is searched, and even if it is open you are tossing it in the dumpster. on Sunday before the race, and before we headed to our seats, we stop to get sandwiches and drinks. The concession stand nearest our seats, in the Earnhardt Terrace, was out of drinks, all drinks, and out of two of the four sandwiches they offered. This was before the race even started.
FROM WWW.LVMS.COM:
No coolers are permitted in the grandstand seating area at LVMS
No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the grandstand seating area at LVMS.
Beer is available at all LVMS concession stands.
LVMS officials have decided to make the superspeedway's grandstands smoke free for the 2007 NASCAR Weekend
FROM ROY G: Some of the comments on the site mentioned the drink policy at LVMS. You CAN take in bottled water. I've had to dump a cup of Coke before, but no one has ever stopped me from taking in water. I also wear a photographer's vest for my gear. Most of those pockets are big enough for canned sodas & sandwiches. (Interestingly enough, it's only NASCAR races where this policy applies. I go to the Bullring regularly, and have attended testing at the speedway for two years. Concessions are available at both, but the only prohibition is against bringing in alcohol or glass)
It can be cold at Vegas! Our first race here in 2002 it never got much above 32 degrees all day and the wind HOWLS across the desert. Bring a jacket & long pants just in case.
FROM MICHELE V.: I’ve attended the Cup and Busch races there for three years and have never had any problem bringing in plastic bottle drinks and snacks in my small soft cooler and backpack. They do post signs at the entrances about the cooler policy, but I’ve never been forced to throw anything away. I always keep my snacks in clear plastic bags. We had Jackpot passes (Neon garage and pits) this year and had no trouble there either. I ate my lunch sitting on the pit wall on Friday before qualifying and had no hassles. I think LVMS should refine/redefine their policies. It seems they’re not being enforced at every entrance.
FROM RACEMAMA: OK fans. Here's what I think....if they tell you that you can't enter with something do what I tell you in Race Ready!
2009 LAS VEGAS DIRT TRACK SCHEDULE
02/25/09 
USAC/CRA Sprint Cars and Midgets
02/26/09 World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, Bullring Bombers
Tickets for the USAC doubleheader are $19. World of Outlaws tickets are $29. A Super Fan Advance Ticket also is available for $40 and includes admission to the USAC and Woo races, as well as a Wednesday-night pit pass upgrade. To purchase tickets or obtain additional information, please call LVMS at (702) 644-4444 or visit MORE
STUFF TO DO
DRIVERS APPEARANCES IN LAS VEGAS
Appearances are posted from a week before race day up until a few days before. Many times there isn't advanced notice, go by the souvenir haulers and look for the signs. (Go on Friday that is when they give out the tickets you need)
Reed Sorenson tries to visit his souvenir trailer at the race track each weekend to sign autographs. Be sure to stop by the trailer and check for times.
Feb. 27
Martin Truex Jr. - NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Merchandise Trailer (no purchase necessary. Stop by trailer in advance to pick up a wristband) - 11 a.m.www.lvms.com
Added bonus for Neon Garage pass holders: Childress, Kenseth, Darrell Waltrip scheduled to appear at live QVC broadcast on Friday at 5 p.m
Justin Allgaier is scheduled to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer on Friday, February 27, 2009 from 12:30-1:00pm local time. The trailer is located on souvenir row on the front stretch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Saturday, February 28
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. will be signing autographs at the 3M merchandise trailer.11:15 - 11:45
A limited number of tickets will be handed out at the 3M trailer prior to the autograph session.
Sunday, March 1
Kurt Busch Autograph Signing at Miller Lite Souvenir Hauler Time: 11:45am
Sam Hornish is scheduled to be on hand to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 1, 2009 from 9:30 - 10:00am local time.www.jayski.com
Casey Mears is scheduled to sign autographs at the Jack Daniel's souvenir trailer located in the Speedway's display area on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 10:00am local time. Autographs will be available on a first come, first served basis and will be limited in number due to time constraints. The Jack Daniel's Experience will be located in the display area, outside Gate C, on speedway property.
Casey Mears will appear at the Jack Daniel’s Experience on Sun., March 1 from 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. The Jack Daniel’s Experience will be located in the display area, outside Gate C, on speedway property. The Jack Daniel’s Experience is a 53-foot tractor- trailer filled with artifacts, state-of-the art video monitors, sound system and graphics to give race fans a taste of Lynchburg and the Distillery. Autographs may be available on a first come, first served basis but will be limited due to time constraints. The Jack Daniel’s Experience will be open on Friday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 7 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. www.mearsgang.com/
David Stremme is scheduled to sign autographs at the Penske Racing souvenir trailer on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 9:30am local time. The Penske Racing trailer is located along the front stretch at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.www.jayski.com
Robbie Gordon is scheduled to sign autographs at his souvenir trailer located in the display area at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to sign autographs for his fans on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 10:00am local time.www.jayski.com
To see Driver's Appearances away from the track in the Vegas area Lots Listed: Click Here
NASCAR Hauler Parade Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009
The transporters will be staged at approximately 10 a.m. in the right lane of Las Vegas Boulevard just south of Russell Road. Once all trucks are lined up, the haulers will move north on Las Vegas Boulevard. The haulers will proceed the roughly five miles to Sahara Avenue before returning to Interstate 15 and the short ride north to the speedway. Race fans will be able to watch the hauler parade from both sides of the Strip and from any of the properties along Las Vegas Boulevard.
11th Annual NASCAR Driver Auction Thursday, February 26, 2009
5:00 PM Sam's Town Live!, Sam's Town Hotel & Gambling Hall - Kyle Petty, Greg Biffle, Elliott Sadler, Casey Mears, Aric Almirola. This annual event offers attendees the opportunity to bid on over 100 items in the silent auction, including motorsports memorabilia, hotel packages, show tickets and more. Bidders will also have the chance to win a pre-race ride-a-long with a NASCAR driver during the live auction. Purchase
Speedway Children's Charities to hold Track Walk on March 1, 2009
Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host its inaugural Track Walk on Sunday, March 1 prior to the start of the UAW-Dodge 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The proceeds from the walk will benefit Speedway Children's Charities, the NASCAR Foundation and the Kyle Busch Foundation. The walk is open to all race fans who have purchased a ticket or an infield motorhome space for race day. Fans can register for the Track Walk online at www.lvms.com or at the registration kiosk that will be set up in the speedway's midway. MORE
MRO at the Track
*HOLLYWOOD/BULLRING RV LOT (located in the stockyard by the tram route to the speedway)
*INFIELD RV LOT (located at the Infield Entrance near turn 2)
*BOULEVARD RV LOT (located next to the Gate G Entrance)
*CHECKERED FLAG RV LOT (located next to the shower trailers)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH
10:00am-4:00pm - Ministry Activities for kids (all locations)
7:00pm - Movie Night showing Kung Fu Panda (Infield)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH
10:00am-4:00pm - Ministry Activities for kids (all locations)
Evening - Ken and Friends (Ventriloquist) and game night
SUNDAY, MARCH 1ST
8:00am - Chapel Services at all locations
10:00am-4:00pm - Ministry activities for kids
Entertainment 2009
Gordie Brown to entertain Shelby 427 crowd
Gordie Brown, a multi-talented impressionist, singer and entertainer, will headline the pre-race show prior to the Shelby 427 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 1. MORE
SPEEDTV STAGE - TRACKSIDE
The Speed Stage at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located outside the track...behind the main grandstands, between Turn 4 and the start finish line...
OTHER STUFF TO DO
Ok we all know that there is a ton of gambling and night life in Vegas but there is plenty of others things to do while in Vegas.
The Grand Canyon - Tour the Grand Canyon by airplane, bus, boat, horse, off-road Hummer or helicopter. I found more than 70 of these tour companies while searching on the internet. Trips range from 3 hours from hotel to hotel up to 10 hours. Many include departing by airplane from Las Vegas. Many include Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Lava Buttes, the Mojave Desert and Rainbow Gardens National Preserve.
Hoover Dam See the engineering marvel of Hoover Dam, the tallest concrete Dam in the United States.
Red Rock Canyon is a narrow valley that lies just about 15 miles west of downtown Las Vegas and is one of the most scenic places to visit in Southern Nevada. 'Red Rock' is so called because of the striking red colored sandstone formations found throughout this small valley. If you like to hike, take spectacular pictures or if you want to learn more about the desert, plan to spend some time here. Red Rock Canyon has a lot to offer. Burros and sometimes mustangs can be seen roaming freely. Horseback riding, picnicking and rock climbing are other popular attractions.
Valley of Fire is Nevada's oldest and largest state park, dedicated 1935. The valley derives its name from the red sandstone formations and the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. Ancient trees and early man are represented throughout the park by areas of petrified wood and 3,000 year-old Indian petroglyph. Popular activities include camping, hiking, picnicking and photography. The park offers a full-scale visitor center with extensive interpretive displays.
Lake Mead & Colorado River
Either side of the Grand Canyon, the Colorado river is dammed forming two huge artificial lakes; Lake Powell in Utah and Lake Mead on the Arizona/Nevada border. Lake Mead features boating, fishing, camping, swimming and hiking. The scenery is beautiful - clear blue water beneath gaunt rocky cliffs, but much can only be appreciated using a boat as the majority of the innumerable sheltered coves and flooded canyons.
Area 51
Area 51 the site of one of the biggest controversy involving UFO's. Drive along the "Extraterrestrial Highway" on your way to the famous "Little A'le' Inn." This store and restaurant has been the host of numerous documentaries and movies including "Independence Day." Here you will find a wealth of information on this top-secret area.
London Bridge Learn about the bridge's construction in the 1800s and its eventual relocation to Lake Havasu, Arizona. You will enjoy visiting the many shops and the old London Pub.
OTHER IMPORTANT SPEEDWAY INFORMATION
Handicap Facilities Las Vegas Motor Speedway seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact the speedway ticket office at (800) 644-4444.
WILL CALL Tickets can be picked up at the speedway's ticket office until the day of the event. The will-call window is located directly behind the administration building.
ATM Locations at LVMS
1) Behind the grandstands, next to elevator five.
2) The lobby entrance to Speedway World gift shop (inside the administration building).
3) A portable machine will also be available outside of turn four next to the Nextel Cup sign.
Medical (at LVMS) Fans in need of medical attention can find assistance behind grandstand sections one and three. Other satellite care centers on the LVMS property will be marked with mini-blimps displaying the Red Cross symbol.
