Some events transform Las Vegas on an annual basis, but none quite like when the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series drive into town for what’s become known as NASCAR Weekend. From the time the stock cars arrive via the Friday night Hauler Parade at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to the celebration following the final lap of the Kobalt Tools 400, drivers such as hometown heroes Kyle and Kurt Busch, Danica Patrick, Tony Stewart and 2010 Shelby American champion (it’s Kobalt’s inaugural year as the race’s sponsor) Jimmie Johnson are the biggest celebrity names in town.
NASCAR fans max out occupancy at every Hotel on the Strip and Fremont Street, making the economic impact of the third race in the 10-month, 36-race season enormous. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, 156,100 fans attended last year’s Sunday Sprint Cup race—more than both 2008 and 2009—of which 120,425 were from out-of-town and spent $115.5 million in nongaming dollars. This year, LVMS President and general manager Chris Powell estimates more than 300,000 will walk through the gates of the speedway, either just for the race or for the atmosphere that includes the Neon Garage, a midway and a skate park for the younger set.
“The economy has certainly had its impact on virtually every form of sport,” said Powell. “But I feel we’ve turned a corner. We should be in the same neighborhood as we’ve been almost every year in attendance.”
The skate park offers chances for the younger demographic to meet invited professionals and personalities from skateboarding and motocross, as well as participate or operate the remote controlled cars on hand. Sponsors show their stuff—merchandise and demos—on the midway, which also features stages for the musical tribute acts. But the Neon Garage has become the most popular element after the races.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway LIVE
Race Capsule
Race:Kobalt Tools 400
Where:Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV
When:March 11, 2012
Kick Off:5:00 PM
Green Flag:2:30 PM (ET)
Track Length:1.5 miles
Previous Winner:Carl Edwards
Broadcast TV:FOX
Where:Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas, NV
When:March 11, 2012
Kick Off:5:00 PM
Green Flag:2:30 PM (ET)
Track Length:1.5 miles
Previous Winner:Carl Edwards
Broadcast TV:FOX
“It’s an area where fans can go and actually see into the garage base the driver and his team work out of during the event weekend,” said Powell. “They can watch the teams prepare the cars prior to racing, during practice and during qualifying prior to the race on Sunday morning. It’s sort of set up like a surgeon’s class would be for an operation.”
The Neon Garage opens with the ticket gates on both race days, but it’s also open all day Friday as the hauling trucks make their way to Las Vegas. By 6 p.m., the place to be on the Strip is anywhere outside as the many-colored vehicles reflect the neon signs during a procession that lasts about 45 minutes.
Post-parade parties extend from the south end of the Strip to the LVMS infield where some RV-driving fans have parked for the weekend, save for a possible appointment with the Richard Petty Driving Experience.
Ultimately it’s about the racing though, with the Sam’s Town 300 Nationwide race taking Saturday afternoon and the big one, the Kobalt Tools 400, capping things off Sunday afternoon. The post-race parties, open to the public, take place at the Neon Garage, where the fans can get up-close and personal with the monarchs of motorsports. Then NASCAR city rolls on—until next year.
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Here is live streaming broadcast link Live HD online NASCAR Sprint Cup 2012.
Your subscription will grant you immediate access to the most comprehensive listing of live NASCAR Sprint Cup 2012 feeds from anywhere in the world where you have access to an internet connection.
