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