Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) is a world-class racing facility located in the heart of the American southwest. Situated just north of Las Vegas, Nevada, the speedway is one of the premier racing destinations in the country, hosting a variety of events each year, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA races.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at LVMS, its history, and what makes it such a unique and exciting venue for racing fans.
LVMS was built in 1996 by local businessman Richie Clyne, who saw a need for a modern, state-of-the-art racing facility in the Las Vegas area. The original track was a 1.5-mile oval, designed to accommodate NASCAR and IndyCar races. Over the years, the speedway has undergone numerous renovations and improvements, including the addition of a road course, drag strip, and dirt track.
Today, LVMS is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports, Inc., one of the largest owners and operators of racetracks in the United States. In addition to LVMS, SMI also owns and operates several other major speedways, including Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Charlotte Motor Speedway.
LVMS is a multi-use facility, featuring a variety of track configurations and layouts. The main oval is a 1.5-mile tri-oval, featuring high banks and a wide racing surface that allows for side-by-side racing at high speeds. The oval has hosted NASCAR Cup Series races since the speedway opened in 1996, and it remains one of the most popular stops on the NASCAR calendar.
In addition to the oval, LVMS also has a 2.4-mile road course that winds through the infield of the main track. The road course features a variety of turns, including tight hairpins and sweeping high-speed corners, making it a challenging and exciting course for drivers and fans alike. The road course hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the SCCA National Championship Runoffs.
LVMS also has a 4-lane drag strip, known as “The Strip at LVMS,” which hosts NHRA events and other drag racing competitions. The strip is one of the premier drag racing venues in the country, and it features state-of-the-art timing and scoring equipment, as well as a variety of luxury suites and hospitality areas for fans.
Finally, LVMS also has a dirt track, known as the “Bullring,” which hosts a variety of short-track events, including NASCAR Whelen All-American Series races and World of Outlaws events. The Bullring is a 3/8-mile dirt oval, and it provides an exciting and challenging racing experience for drivers and fans alike.
LVMS has a seating capacity of over 80,000, making it one of the largest and most impressive racing venues in the country. The main grandstand is located along the front straightaway of the oval, and it offers excellent views of the racing action on the track.
In addition to the main grandstand, LVMS also has a variety of luxury suites and hospitality areas, as well as a massive infield area that allows fans to get up close and personal with the cars and drivers. The infield area also features a variety of food and beverage options, as well as merchandise stands and other attractions for fans.
LVMS hosts a variety of major racing events throughout the year, including NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series races, as well as IndyCar races, NHRA drag racing events, and short-track races at the Bullring.