During a race weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway fans just can't get enough access to their favorite drivers!

During this year’s NASCAR Weekend at LVMS, race fans had a one-of-a-kind experience being up-close to some of their favorite drivers inside the Neon Garage. LVMS is the only speedway that allows fans to see cars in the garages from above and even get a few autographs through the windows. Along with the unique garage layout, this year, the Neon Garage played host to the first-ever public drivers’ meeting at LVMS. Then, the public was invited to attend the pre-race drivers’ meeting for the NASCAR Kobalt Tools 400 Sprint Cup race on Sunday.  I think it is safe to say that auto racing is one of the few sports today that allow fans to get so much access.

NHRA drivers are no different.  For example, John Force is one of the most popular and successful NHRA drivers.  He is a 15-time Funny Car Champion, is open to interacting with fans and members of the media and even allowed viewers into his life with the A&E reality show, Driving Force.  With the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals coming to LVMS March 30-April 1, fans will be able to see their favorite drivers before they take to the quarter-mile.  More than 30 drivers from the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series are scheduled to participate in an autograph session on March 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. at The New York New York Hotel & Casino. The session will take place on the replica Brooklyn Bridge on the famous Las Vegas Strip.  Several show cars will be on display as well as appearances from drivers such as Tony Schumacher, Ron Capps, Spencer Massey and Antron Brown.  The event is the traditional kick-off of the annual Full Throttle Drag Racing Series’ NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The races begin on Friday, March 30, with spectator gates opening at 7:30 a.m.  The earth-shaking burn-outs continue until Sunday, April 1 when the final eliminations determine the SummitRacing.com Nationals winners. See the top names in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock compete for the win here in Vegas. Tickets are available on our website by clicking here, or by calling 1-800-644-4444. 

When we think of America’s favorite pastimes – professional sports – we think of the irresistible stadium food we get to indulge in.  In my home city of Boston, people flock to the Red Sox games to pass the tradition on of eating a Fenway Frank to their young ones.  It is no different with motorsports at the upcoming NASCAR Weekend here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

The gates will open to the fans on Friday morning with the mouth-watering smell of burgers, tacos, and more.

Where else can you find Chicago-style Italian food, Japanese burgers, Hawaiian snow cones, cupcakes and soul food within walking distance?  That collection of around-the-world cuisine puts any baseball park to shame!  NASCAR attracts a variety of fans, so it is only fitting that we give them that same variety in their stadium-style food.  Here is a list of the different food trucks that you can find at the midway this weekend: Red Neck Kitchen, Curb Side Café, Quality Food Service Catering, Chi-Town Hustler, Sin City Wings, Haulin’ Balls, Sheff’s Kitchen, Fuku Burger, Snow Ono Shaved Ice, Foxxy Lady’s Cupcakes, and Sloppi Jo’s. 

Levy Restaurants assembled the group of food trucks and also caters for 102 luxury suites. They provide guests with hospitality, as well as exceptional meals such as basil grilled shrimp, gourmet antipasta and hoisin-glazed baby lamb chops.  This year, they have raised the bar by accommodating guests who cannot ingest foods that contain gluten. Celiac disease has become a growing issue in the United States, and is thought to affect around one in every 105 people in our country.  Having an aunt that suffers from Celiac, I understand the challenges and disappointment this disease can cause. I am excited that Levy Restaurants has worked hard to accommodate every NASCAR fan. The Wellness/Gluten-Free Stand will be located in the Petty Terrace (the first stand as you enter the Richard Petty Terrace from elevator No. 8) and will offer gluten-free and healthy choices, including BBQ chicken salad, chicken salad wraps, gluten-free pizza, gluten-free beer, gluten-free crepes and gluten-free chips.  They also will offer healthy kids’ meals (juice box, carrot sticks, grapes and a turkey hot dog). 

The race excitement has begun at LVMS, so make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll update you and guide you through your NASCAR Weekend experience!  Also, no matter what you decide to eat on race day, please drink responsibly! 

NASCAR Weekend comes to Las Vegas Motor Speedway once a year and our fans are some of the most dedicated in the country. How do we know? Because of the thousands of followers on the LVMS Facebook and Twitter pages.

Social networking has come so far that the drivers have made history off the track. During the two-hour red flag delay during the Daytona 500 last weekend, Brad Keselowski made the first-ever tweet using his phone from the inside of his car.  As soon as the announcers made note of that, I couldn’t help logging on to my Twitter account to see for myself.  Curious people like me gained Keselowski 100,000 followers within minutes.  He continued to give the fans what they wanted by taking pictures of other drivers waiting for the clean-up, as well as a FOX Sports reporter standing by. 

Times like these show us that NASCAR provides unprecedented access for their fans more than any other professional sport.  Whether it is signing autographs or question and answer sessions, any enthusiast can get up-close to their favorite driver.  For example, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be at Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall Thursday, March 8 for a Q & A session just for the fans. This is just one of many appearances drivers will make next week in Las Vegas.

LVMS has taken it to the next level – in a way that no other speedway has – with the Neon Garage.  Fans can now watch the drivers and crews work on their cars from just feet away. The Neon Garage brings a full-circle experience to the speedway by allowing the fans into the infield for food, entertainment and, of course, to see what goes on behind the scenes in a NASCAR garage.  This year, we have taken fan access one step farther by inviting the public to be a part of the pre-race drivers’ meeting in the Neon Garage.  For the first time at LVMS, anyone with a Neon Garage pass can listen in on what the drivers hear each week before the green flag waves. Don’t miss out! Neon Garage passes as well as NASCAR Weekend tickets are still available to purchase by clicking here, or by calling our ticket office at 1-800-644-4444. 

Whether it is NASCAR Weekend or any other racing event here at LVMS, we give the fans access and guidance through our social networking sites. 

Each of our four tracks – LVMS Superspeedway, the Dirt Track, The Strip and the Bullring – have their own Facebook page.  Fans can interact with us by posting pictures, status updates, and fans can even win tickets to the races!  Our Twitter account (@lvmotorspeedway) has almost 17,000 followers and we work hard to bring them minute-by-minute updates on all the events, as well as a look at behind-the-scenes activities.  Here at LVMS, we will be holding our NASCAR Weekend tweetup on Saturday at Noon, before the Sam’s Town 300.  It gives fans, who communicate online together, a chance to meet and interact.  Some drivers have even been known to stop by! 

Make sure to follow us on both Twitter and Facebook for chances to win tickets right up until the races start. You can also get the latest information and traffic updates to get you to the races quickly and safely.  Our social networking team will be out there every day documenting NASCAR Weekend experiences through images and updates! Look for us all weekend and make sure to tell us about your weekend! See you online…and at the races!

You’d be lying if you said that you have never dreamed of driving a Ferrari.  I know I have.  The craving is worse when I pulled into a parking spot at work this morning, and there is one parked next to me now that Exotics Racing and Dream Racing have arrived at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Dream Racing has just opened its doors to anyone who is craving the adrenaline rush of driving a Ferrari F430 GT.  A whole squad of supercars awaits the avid exotic car enthusiast on the superspeedway infield.  Whether you are having fun with friends or want to learn professional techniques, Dream Racing will tailor your desires to your experience.  Before you even hop into a $200,000 car, your three and a half hour experience includes transportation from CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip.  Next, you start your classroom and simulator orientation.  After orientation, you’re suited up and brought to the track where you and your professional instructor drive five laps around the 1.1-mile track designed to racing specifications.  With low, medium and high corners, and a straightaway that tops speeds at 120 miles per hour, there isn’t anything missing in this driving experience.  After the exhilarating drive, you have access into the Dream lounge and bar before your trip back to your hotel.

If a Ferrari isn’t enough to satisfy your craving, how about Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, Porsches, Corvettes, Audis, Mercedes’ and Nissans?  These are all housed at LVMS as part of Exotics Racing.  Exotics Racing is the biggest and most experienced school of its kind in the entire United States.  The supercar racing school is a subsidiary of the top-rated European racing school, Cascadevents. You don’t even have to pick just one car.  Exotics Racing allows customers to choose a package in which they can drive up to 10 cars!  All of the experiences include: training and safety, one lap in a Porsche Cayenne GTS for lap discovery, driving with an instructor, a gift certificate, and an Exotics Racing Driving Certificate.  If you can’t drive a standard transmission like me, you can always do a ride-along with a professional driver!

Make sure to check out their websites at www.dreamracing.com and www.exoticsracing.com for more information or to schedule your one-of-a-kind experience today. Now if I can just learn how to drive standard…

On my first day as a public relations intern here at LVMS, I got a tour around all the tracks on property.  I got to be the passenger as we rode down The Strip and the Bullring. 

Our last stop was the superspeedway, and just as we were going for a once-in-a-lifetime ride, we realized that the Richard Petty experience was still on the track, and we couldn’t go. After four months, I still haven’t had the opportunity for the much-anticipated ride around the famous 1.5-mile superspeedway. But now, I have an even better reason to take that spin around the track!

On January 29, the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities is hosting the Laps for Charity event where YOU can take your own personal vehicle for three laps at 75 miles per hour around the superspeedway. So pile the whole family -- pets included -- into your personal vehicle and for just $30 (per vehicle) come join us!  You can also take your picture in Victory Lane for an additional $10.  All the proceeds go to the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. 

Last year more than 700 cars, trucks and motorcycles showed up to support Speedway Children’s Charities.  This year, we are anticipating more than 1,100 vehicles to participate.

Last year more than $25,000 was raised for local children’s causes.  This event is open to the public, and no pre-registration is required.  I will finally get my chance to feel the rush the NASCAR drivers get for a good cause! Be looking for me taking pictures to post on our Facebook and Twitter pages all day.

Well race fans, the holidays are behind us and some of us are stuck with the winter blues, but the countdown to NASCAR Weekend in fabulous Las Vegas has begun!

 Since the dawn of the new year, the offices here at Las Vegas Motor Speedway have definitely been buzzing in preparation for the big race! 

I know I’m excited, since this will be my first time seeing NASCAR in Vegas while being a part of the LVMS team!  I have had a little taste of the excitement by being a part of the past few races here, but nothing will compare to NASCAR Weekend!  Seeing the twelve Chase drivers at Fanfest in downtown Vegas definitely got me excited for March! The countdown is on and we have plenty of opportunities for you, as fans, to get involved.

One of the events leading up to NASCAR weekend is the Speedway Superstar Contest and I have been asked to be one of the judges of the first round of contestants! You could win the opportunity to sing the national anthem prior to the Sam’s Town 300 on March 10.  Tryouts are Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sam’s Town Hotel. I feel very honored (and nervous) to be able to judge all of our talented fans!

Last week, we announced a brand new addition to this year’s NASCAR Weekend Neon Garage experience. Sunday Neon Garage pass holders will get to see their favorite drivers in the first public LVMS drivers’ meeting prior to the Kobalt Tools 400. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity!

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for me throughout NASCAR weekend. I’ll be around with my FlipCam and camera phone in hand, capturing fan moments for our Facebook and Twitter updates!

If you didn’t get tickets to NASCAR Weekend in your stocking, don’t worry.  There are still plenty of good seats available. We also will be giving away a few tickets through contests on Facebook and Twitter (@lvmotorspeedway).  Be prepared to show us how much of a NASCAR fan you really are!  I love hearing your stories and seeing all your amazing experiences through pictures and posts on our social networks, so keep posting!

Courtney Francis
cfrancis@lvms.com

Love the holidays, but hate trying to find the right present for your loved ones?  Las Vegas Motor Speedway offers one-of-a-kind gifts for race fans any age.

Holiday Ticket Offers

Las Vegas is known for its fast-paced lifestyle so nothing fits better than NASCAR tickets for your friends and family! LVMS is celebrating the holidays by offering some must-have ticket and concession deals. Now through January 10, 2012 you can get two tickets to the Kobalt Tools 400, two hot dogs, and two cokes for just $99.  Check out www.lvms.com/holiday for details on how to take advantage of this great holiday offer.

Join us March 9-11 for an exhilarating weekend of NASCAR racing. Weekend ticket packages are available for as low as $99.  Lucky 7 preferred parking passes, driver introduction passes, and Neon Garage passes are all on sale now.  If NASCAR isn’t enough, NHRA will be coming to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway not once, but twice in 2012. Tickets are on sale now for the SummitRacing.com Nationals, March 30-April 1 and the Big O Tires Nationals, October 25-28.

NASCAR Fan Gear

Along with tickets, your family and friends will need the ideal racing gear to watch the races in style. Our gift shop has everything you need including t-shirts, jackets, hats and more. The LVMS gift shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.  You can easily browse all of our merchandise at www.gospeedwayworld.com.  For a limited time, customers who purchase items online can receive 20 percent off their purchase by entering the coupon code: KOBALT20.

Can’t make it to the races this year? The gift shop at LVMS offers an exclusive track tour that includes viewing of our nine tracks, a visit to a luxury suite and access to the infield of the superspeedway. Track tours run every hour at the top of the hour, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Glittering Lights

Come drive through the city’s most incredible set of Christmas displays.  The Glittering Lights display is illuminating Las Vegas Motor Speedway this holiday season.  The display will run nightly through New Year’s Day.  Formerly known as the Gift of Lights, the annual Glittering Lights display is open every night, including Christmas, from 6-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is just $15 per car and $2 from every car will go to the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities.  This year’s unique 2.5-mile course will include over 400 animated displays.  A free photo opportunity with Christmas characters will be taking place inside Santa’s Village.  For more information, visit our website at www.vegasglitteringlights.com or by calling (800) 926-7402. 

Richard Petty Driving Experience holiday offer

If watching the races from the grandstands at LVMS isn’t enough, you’re in luck. Give the gift of speed this holiday season and put your friends and family into the front seat of a real NASCAR stock car. For only $50, you can go up to speeds of 165 miles per hour around the famous 1.5-mile superspeedway. The ride-along experience puts you shot-gun in a NASCAR race car driven by a professional instructor for three laps around the superspeedway. Purchase your rides and gift cards now and use it anytime after January 1, 2012. 

For more information on Las Vegas Motor Speedway, please visit www.lvms.com or call (800) 644-4444. Also, follow us on Twitter (@LVMotorSpeedway) and Facebook.