Let’s imagine for a moment that Carroll Shelby is alive. We believe this iconic, speed-loving racer would most certainly be only in one place November 16-18: Sin City. That’s when the F1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix comes roaring onto the Vegas Strip, reviving a racing tradition that has been dormant for over forty years. Not since 1981, when the last F1 course was set up in the parking lot of the Coliseum (where today’s Forum Shops are) and taxis zipped around the course beforehand to break in the asphalt, have speed fans been so amped about an event.
F1 Set To Race In Shelby’s Backyard
“It’s crazy, right?” said Kelsey McAnally, Senior Store Retail Operations Manager for Carroll Shelby's store in Las Vegas. “I think Shelby would have loved it! He was a huge racing fan. It'll bring in all kinds of car-centric people and be great for our brand." The anticipation is building not only among Shelby devotees and racing enthusiasts, but also within the business community, as the event promises to draw hundreds of thousands of car and racing aficionados from all corners of the globe.
Las Vegas Grand Prix Race Details
And what an explosion for the senses this event is shaping up to be. With race time starting at 10pm on Saturday night, get ready for a spectacle of speed and skill, with the roar of engines and the scent of burning rubber stealing the spotlight in a town full of them. The backdrop of the Vegas Strip, with its kaleidoscope of flashing hotel and casino marquee lights, will provide a carnival-like setting for the course.
Cars capable of reaching speeds up to 212 miles per hour will navigate the challenging 3.8-mile course that features 17 corners and three straights, circling fifty times. “I think it will be like the movie Fast and Furious,” said McAnally. The racecourse itself will take drivers down the Strip, passing iconic landmarks such as the Bellagio fountains, Mandalay Bay, Caesar's Palace, and the newly constructed MSG Sphere.
What To Expect With F1 Racing In Vegas
As with any major event, there are some inconveniences that come with all the preparations. Construction and upgrades have been in full swing to ensure the safety and success of the event.
The surface of Las Vegas Boulevard had to be meticulously leveled, and manhole covers were welded down to provide a smooth racing surface. Local traffic will continue to be rerouted temporarily during construction, with hotels maintaining access routes. Grandstands are being constructed along the route offering fans thrilling vantage points, including a prime spectator spot at the famed Bellagio fountains (this time facing the street). Additionally, in the spirit of collaboration, another iconic attraction, the Mirage volcano, will be temporarily closed in November to accommodate F1 preparations.
An Investment With A Hefty Return For Race Fans
At the corner of E. Harmon Avenue and Koval Lane, a new, permanent pit/paddock is being built, crowned with an oversized LED screen so spectators don’t miss a moment of the action. Word is this paddock is being designed as a year-round F1 experience destination, drafting off the success of the Netflix series, Drive to Survive. All these upgrades, while disruptive, represent a long-term investment for both Las Vegas and Formula 1, as the city has granted permission for the race to continue on the iconic Strip until 2032.
In terms of pricing, the Vegas F1 race is projected to be the most expensive sporting event on Formula One's agenda. Ticket prices start at $500 for a three-day general admission pass, with VIP prices in the six-figure range, reflecting the premium experience that fans can expect. Fold in the added revenue the city will take in from hotel bookings, casino playing and restaurant business, and you have an economic influx of 1.3 billion. If that projection plays out, it will make this F1 race the single largest special event in Las Vegas history.
Show Off Your Shelby Love At The Upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix
The fast-approaching F1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to be a feast for the senses, combining speed and precision, along with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas. Gear up and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Formula 1 as it delivers an unforgettable experience for all racing fans and thrill-seekers. As Kelsey McAnally aptly put it, "This is what Carroll Shelby was all about. Bring on the crowds!"
To celebrate the iconic Shelby American car brand on race day, shop Shelby shirts and accessories from Wicked Quick to shift your style into high gear.
