Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) is a renowned multi-track motorsports facility situated in Clark County, Nevada, northeast of the Las Vegas Strip. Since its flagship 1.5-mile superspeedway opened in 1996, LVMS has become a premier destination for top-level motorsports, especially NASCAR and NHRA events. The sprawling 1,200-acre complex features multiple racing venues and regularly draws large crowds, adding excitement to the vibrant Las Vegas entertainment landscape.
History
The history of LVMS can be traced back to the early 1970s when efforts began to bring major racing to Las Vegas. The first drag strip in the area opened in 1972 within what was then known as the Las Vegas International Speedrome complex, hosting NHRA events and building a strong local racing base. The venue expanded over the years, adding a variety of tracks.
The modern LVMS superspeedway and motorsports complex were conceived in the early 1990s by car enthusiast Richie Clyne. Backed primarily by hotelier Ralph Engelstad and businessman Bill Bennett, construction began in 1995. LVMS officially opened its gates on September 13, 1996, hosting the Indy Racing League’s Las Vegas 500K as its inaugural major event, which saw over 65,000 spectators despite daunting desert conditions.
Clyne sold the venue to Bruton Smith, founder of Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI), in 1998. Under SMI, LVMS underwent substantial upgrades, expanding its facilities and attracting marquee racing series. Today, it is part of the SMI network, which operates some of NASCAR’s most important tracks.
Most Famous Races Held
Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s NASCAR Cup Series events are its most prestigious, highlighted by the Pennzoil 400 and the South Point 400, each attracting drivers and fans from across the country. The NASCAR Xfinity Series (Alsco Uniforms 300) and Craftsman Truck Series (Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200) also race here annually. LVMS hosts the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals and NHRA Nevada Nationals on its drag strip, which opened in 2000 and quickly developed a national reputation.
Memorable moments include close finishes and playoff-altering NASCAR Cup Series races, as well as the track’s role in hosting the NASCAR playoffs, amplifying its significance late in each racing season.
Track Information
The centerpiece of LVMS is its 1.5-mile (2.41km) D-shaped oval, featuring 20 degrees of banking in the turns and 9 to 12 degrees on the straightaways. The speedway can seat more than 80,000 fans. The complex also includes a 0.5-mile dirt oval, a 1/4-mile drag strip, multiple road courses, karting tracks, and a pit road, making it one of the most versatile racing venues in the United States.
State-of-the-art facilities, luxury suites, and extensive fan amenities highlight LVMS’s ongoing investments in the spectator experience. The facility’s proximity to the Las Vegas Strip and international airport further cements its status as a world-class motorsport and entertainment destination.