An iconic fixture within the NASCAR Cup series, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is considered home turf for a few notable racers, including Kyle Busch, Noah Gragson, and Riley Herbst. Besides NASCAR, the Speedway has also previously hosted IndyCar races, further solidifying its prestige in the world of motorsports.
Originally established in 1971, the tri-oval track stretches 1.5 miles, with a 20° banking on turns and 9° banking on the front and back stretch. The Speedway first graced the NASCAR calendar in 1998, marking a significant milestone in its history. The following year, Speedway Motorsports Inc. acquired ownership and has since overseen the raceway’s operations and numerous transformations.
The Speedway’s location, nestled between Interstate 15 and Las Vegas Boulevard, has seen its fair share of changes over the decades. Mark Martin, who won the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race in 1998, holds a special place in the Speedway’s history. However, Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano, each with four wins, are considered the Speedway’s most successful drivers.
The Speedway hasn’t always been known under its current moniker. It was first dubbed the Las Vegas International Speedrome upon its inception, undergoing several name changes before finally settling on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 1996.
The Speedway’s origins trace back to businessman Carl “Curly” Price, who leased a plot of land near Nellis Air Force Base with the intention of building a drag strip, a road course, and an oval. Initially spanning 200 acres with a capacity of 3,000, the Speedway has since expanded to 1,200 acres. Unfortunately, the seating capacity has seen a decline from its peak of 140,000 to the current 80,000.
In 2006, the Speedway underwent extensive renovations, equipping it with new amenities, such as an interactive garage and a massive three-story media center. Plans for a condominium tower were scrapped due to objections from the US Air Force.
Despite the renovations, the Speedway faced several challenges, including issues with the road course lighting system and financial struggles that threatened the existence of racing at the venue. Price’s financial difficulties resulted in the termination of his lease in 1976.
For Kyle Busch, the Las Vegas native, the Speedway holds sentimental value. Known for his visits to the Ethel M chocolate factory as a child, the Richard Childress Racing driver has seen the company become one of his sponsors. Despite only winning once at the Speedway, Busch has an impressive record, with multiple Top 5s to his name.
The Speedway has also been the backdrop for some memorable NASCAR moments. These include the 2006 spring race where Jimmie Johnson narrowly edged out Matt Kenseth for the win, and the infamous 2017 Kobalt 400 incident where Kyle Busch threw a punch at Joey Logano following a last-lap collision.
The NASCAR schedule at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway typically begins with the NASCAR Truck Series practice on Friday afternoon. This is followed by qualifying rounds for the Truck and Xfinity Series. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race concludes Friday’s events. Saturday features the Cup Series practice and qualifying, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity race. The weekend culminates with the Pennzoil 400 on Sunday.
In conclusion, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with its rich history, thrilling races, and strong connection to homegrown talent like Kyle Busch, remains a captivating draw for NASCAR enthusiasts.