Las Vegas is preparing to shift into the fast lane with the addition of a new state-of-the-art motor racing complex. Set to be completed in early 1996, the facility will encompass many aspects of racing from "go-karts to Formula 1".
The massive project is being overseen by Las Vegas entrepreneur Richie Clyne and racing veterans Mel Larson and Hugh McDonough. It is located about eight miles north of downtown Las Vegas just off route I-15 and right next door to the existing Las Vegas Raceway Park, which currently hosts a number of national racing events and which is also being remodeled. The centerpiece of the facility will be a night lighted, 107,000 seat stadium surrounding a number of tracks including a mile and a half, banked "tri-shaped oval" track and a 2.5 mile road course suitable for any top FIA sanctioned form of racing.
But now remember, this is Las Vegas, so why stop at just the mundane.
Lining the top of the
seating area and the pit lane (as pictured at left) will be luxury guest suites, like none
found anywhere else, equipped with every amenity and offering exquisite,
unobstructed views of all the racing events as well as the incomparable lights
of downtown Las Vegas at the same time. And to top it all off, you'll even
be able to get married between heats, at the Speedway Wedding Chapel,
appropriate for normal as well as speedy weddings of all sorts.
(Editor note: The Speedway has asked us to mention that
this article was written prior to completion of construction and the Wedding
Chapel was never constructed and probably wont be.)
The track owners have already signed a three year agreement with the Indy Racing League to host Indy car events, the first of which is scheduled for Mid-September of this year. The aim is for six to seven premier events per year from amongst the major motorsports organizations.
Adjacent to the tracks will be an industrial park targeted to automotive research and development with access to the racing facilities for testing and development. Shelby American, Inc. (founded by racing legend Carroll Shelby of Shelby Cobra fame) has already committed to housing their 100,000+ square foot world headquarters facility at the site.
Next door and overlooking the Speedway will be constructed the exclusive
Autopian Motorsports Country Club for those with a love of the sport, a yen
for the track and a pocketful of spare cash. Membership will be limited and
include admission to all racing events, use of the club facility and temperature
controlled automotive storage facilities, and driving
instruction courses ranging from 3 hours to 3 days on sedan and formula
racing by world-class instructors. The instruction courses will also be
made available to non-members on a limited basis.
(Editor note: The Speedway has asked us to mention that
this article was written prior to completion of construction and Autopia
has not as yet materialized and probably wont.)
Following is a complete list of all the tracks which will be a part of the
large facility:
*=Planned or under construction SEE A MAP
UPDATE: 9/12/96 - The opening Inagural 500K Indy style race is scheduled for Sunday, September 15 at 1pm (gates open at 7:30am). Qualifying will be Saturday morning starting at 9:30am until about 6:30pm, (gates open at 7:30am) with tickets going for $30. Tickets for the big race Sunday are still available and range from $40-$90.
For additional information contact the Speedway management offices at
3535 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas Blvd. 89109, (702) 644-4444
You can contact the Autopian Motorsports Country Club at 4461 West Flamingo, Ste 168, Las Vegas, NV 89103, (702) 644-7223
(Be Sure to mention you read about them on the Las Vegas Internet Leisure Guide)
Last Updated: September 13, 1996
Editor Notes added: June, 2004
