Events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas

About Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) is a massive multi-track racing complex covering about 1,200 acres in North Las Vegas (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). It sits roughly 15 miles northeast of the Las Vegas Strip (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). The site originated as the Las Vegas Speedrome (opened 1972) and was redeveloped into a $72 million superspeedway in 1996 (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Today LVMS includes a 1.5-mile quad-oval NASCAR track, a 0.375-mile short oval (“The Bullring”), and a 4-lane drag strip. Currently owned by Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI), LVMS is often called the “shining jewel of the desert” for its scale and visibility (www.speedwaylasvegas.com).

LVMS has hosted major races and events since the 1990s. Its first race was an IndyCar event in September 1996, followed by a NASCAR Truck Series race that fall (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Speedway Motorsports bought the track in 1998 (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Over the years it has staged many memorable motorsports moments (for example, a NASCAR victory by Mike Skinner in 2006 and a Busch Series win by Jeff Burton in 2007) (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). LVMS also hosts massive cultural events – most famously the Insomniac Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) each spring. EDC is North America’s largest electronic dance festival, drawing on the order of 300,000–350,000 fans to the speedway over a three-day weekend (clui.org). This blend of world-class racing and huge concerts makes LVMS one of Las Vegas’s most notable sports and entertainment venues.

Events and Programming

• NASCAR Race Weekends: LVMS holds two NASCAR Cup Series weekends per year. In the spring it typically hosts the Pennzoil 400 (Cup race) plus a NASCAR Xfinity Series race, and in the fall it hosts the South Point 400 (Cup) and an Xfinity playoff race (www.lvms.com). A NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event is also held in the spring (e.g., the 2024 “Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200” in March) (www.nascar.com).
• NHRA Drag Races: The speedway’s NHRA four-wide drag strip hosts the annual Mission Foods NHRA Nevada Nationals each October/November (www.lvms.com). This championship drag event draws motorcycle and dragster teams from around the country.
• Bullring Short-Track Series: The Bullring at LVMS is a 0.375-mile asphalt oval for local stock car racing. It hosts regional and weekly series (Legends cars, Super Late Models, etc.). For example, on March 1, 2025 LVMS hosted the Star Nursery 125 for the SPEARS CARS Tour West (Super Late Models) plus support races (www.lvms.com).
• Supercross/Motocross: LVMS also serves as a temporary SuperMotocross venue. In September 2025 it hosted the inaugural SuperMotocross World Finals on “The Strip” – a custom motocross track built in the infield (www.lvms.com).
• Music Festivals and Special Events: In addition to racing, LVMS is famous for the annual Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC Las Vegas), a three-day dance festival held in May. EDC at LVMS features dozens of top DJs on multiple stages and draws hundreds of thousands of fans (clui.org). The speedway also occasionally hosts other large-scale shows and concerts.

Ticket prices vary widely by event. General grandstand seating for NASCAR weekends can range from modest prices in the outfield to several hundred dollars for front-row sections. Premium packages (club seats, suites or special-area passes) can cost in the thousands. For instance, a fully inclusive “Vegas Clubhouse” VIP package that grants access to both Cup race weekends has been advertised around $1,499 (www.reviewjournal.com). Fans should purchase tickets well in advance via the official LVMS website or box office, as big events often sell out.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for LVMS events are normally sold through official channels: the Speedway’s own website, the LVMS box office, or authorized outlets. NASCAR race tickets typically go on sale many months ahead of the event, and popular events like EDC often sell out quickly. It’s recommended to sign up for any LVMS or NASCAR mailing list for alerts and to buy early. Many race weekends offer all-event or multi-day ticket packages. On major race weekends, a “ticket office” at the track will open around race time (often extending early-week hours). Authorized travel packages (including hotel/transport) are also periodically offered for cup weekends. As a rule, fans should avoid unauthorized resale sites and look for guaranteed ticket sources.

Seating and Layout

The main grandstands at LVMS form a bowl around the front stretch (start/finish line) and pit area. These sections (numbered roughly 1–3 on track maps) offer a straight-on view of the pit road and finish line (www.lvms.com). Above and around the ends of the front stretch are the signature elevated terraces – the Richard Petty Terrace off Turn 1 (frontstretch) and the Dale Earnhardt Terrace off the backstretch (Turn 4). These terrace areas (Sections ~100–114 on front and 300–317 on back) sit high above the racing surface, providing panoramic sightlines of the entire 1.5-mile oval (www.lvms.com). Many fans consider the Petty/Earnhardt Terrace seats the best seats for seeing every turn of the track. In practice, there are few “bad” seats at LVMS – even mid-bleacher seats have decent views of the racing action.

Accessible (ADA) seating is built into several sections. For example, ADA seats are available in Sections 1, 2 and 3 (around rows 31–49 of the main stands) as well as on the upper terrace levels (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). (Guests needing wheelchair access should contact the venue in advance.) The speedway’s layout also includes an infield hospitality area called the “Neon Garage,” which is an exclusive pass-only club above the pits. Neon Garage’ pass holders can move freely between this area and their grandstand seats during the race and enjoy amenities like pit-view lounges (www.lvms.com). In addition, LVMS offers premium seating options (club seats, suites, loge boxes, fan suites, etc.) above the main grandstands for those seeking luxury or special experiences (www.lvms.com).

Getting There and Parking

Location & Driving: LVMS is located at 7000 Las Vegas Boulevard North, Las Vegas, NV 89115 (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). It is easily reached by Interstate-15. From the Las Vegas Strip or southwest valley, take I-15 North to Exit 54 (Speedway Blvd) and go straight into the Blue Lot (public parking) (www.speedwaylasvegas.com) (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). From the northwest, go east on the 215 Beltway to I-15 North, then Exit 54 as above (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Visitors from Henderson or Boulder City can take US-95 North to Las Vegas Blvd North and enter through LVMS’s south gate (Entry 3) (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). From points north, I-15 south to Exit 54 is best, then left onto Speedway Blvd and into Blue Lot (www.speedwaylasvegas.com).

• Parking: LVMS offers many on-site lots (Blue, Yellow, Brown, etc.) that surround the track. On major NASCAR weekends, event staff will direct traffic to available lots; signage for “Blue Lot (Public Parking)” should be followed off Speedway Blvd (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). The speedway notes that there is “plenty of available parking” on race days (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Note that large events often charge for parking (typically on the order of $20–$30 per vehicle), so have cash or a credit card ready. Smaller club/concours events may have free parking. Accessible parking spaces are provided near main gates for tagged vehicles.
• Rideshare and Taxis: Uber/Lyft users should head to the designated drop-off/pickup area at Gate 5 on Las Vegas Boulevard (the southwest corner of the speedway lot) (www.uber.com). Tell your driver “LVMS Gate 5”. After the event, rideshare vehicles will queue in that same lot. Prepaid shuttle services are sometimes offered on race weekends (for example, official shuttles from hotel areas to the track). There is no direct public-transit bus to the gate, so driving or rideshare is recommended.
• Timing: Allow plenty of extra travel time on event days. Traffic can be heavy around LVMS for big events. Plan to arrive at least an hour before the start of the event to navigate traffic and pass through security checkpoints (www.speedwaylasvegas.com).

Inside the Venue

Entry & Security: All guests enter through ticket gates and regular security screening. All bags (purses, camera packs, backpacks, etc.) are subject to search on entry (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Large totes or coolers are not allowed – carry only small bags. Guests should review the speedway’s bag policy before the event to speed entry. Metal detectors may be in use, so allow extra time. There is no traditional coat check, and no re-entry once you leave (all exits are final) (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited inside the grandstands; designated smoking areas are outside (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Service animals are welcome (notify the box office in advance) (www.speedwaylasvegas.com), but no pets of any other kind are allowed inside (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Other prohibited items include weapons, firecrackers/noisemakers, patio-style seats, umbrellas, and anything deemed a hazard (www.speedwaylasvegas.com).

Food & Drink: The concourses in the grandstands are lined with concession stands and snack bars. Fans can buy typical stadium fare (hot dogs, burgers, fries, pizza, soda, beer, etc.) throughout the venue. During NASCAR events, LVMS adds extra “Quick Pit” venues – shaded high-top bar areas – and a “Splash N’ Go” quick-stop food station on the Club Level (www.lvms.com). In general there is no shortage of food/drink options, but lines can get long at peak times (like immediately before green flag). Merchandise stands selling team/track apparel and souvenirs are also located near entrances and on concourses. Restrooms (including wheelchair-accessible restrooms) are plentiful; there are facilities under or behind most seating sections (www.speedwaylasvegas.com) (www.lvms.com). Fans in premium areas (clubhouses, suites, Neon Garage, etc.) receive table service, private concessions and bars.

Special Features: LVMS has several unique fan areas. The infield “Neon Garage” (accessible only with a special pass) lets fans walk among the pit road and interact with team pit crews. Neon Garage pass holders have their own lounge with TVs and free wireless internet (www.lvms.com), plus access to Victory Lane ceremonies (www.lvms.com). Elevated club and suite seats (like Club 1, Club 3, Race Control Loge Boxes, the Jimmy Spencer Fan Suite, etc.) provide restaurant-style dining, air-conditioned lounges and all-inclusive service. The winning car’s burnouts and trophy presentation often occur right in front of the main grandstand, so if those are on your bucket list, seats 1–3 (center frontstretch) or tickets with Neon Garage can put you close to the action (www.lvms.com).

Nearby Amenities

The area around LVMS has limited walking-distance amenities, so most fans drive in. Immediately along Las Vegas Blvd north of the track there are gas stations, fast-food and chain restaurants (subway sandwiches, Taco Bell, etc.) for quick snacks. For a sit-down meal or entertainment after hours, many fans head to the nearby casino hotels. The Orleans Hotel & Casino (about 8–10 miles south on Tropicana Ave) and Santa Fe Station Casino (about 5 miles south on Rancho) offer dining, bars, and lodging. North of the track are a few smaller casinos in North Las Vegas. Riders should plan to pre-book hotels in the North Las Vegas/Lone Mountain area or on the Strip, since the immediate vicinity of the speedway is fairly remote. Rideshare service is widely available late at night for getting back to hotels after races.

In general, fans are advised to give themselves plenty of time for pre-event meals or bars. The Strip is 15 miles away and downtown Las Vegas over 13 miles south of the track (www.speedwaylasvegas.com), so allow extra travel if planning drinks in the city before or after an event. Within the event site itself, expect typical stadium atmosphere with loud engines and crowds – ear protection is strongly recommended for young children and noise-sensitive guests, and hats/sunglasses are recommended for sunny days (night races are cooler but can still be windy).

What Makes This Venue Special

LVMS is unique in several ways. Architecturally, it’s one of the largest tracks in the country with modern fan facilities. In 2018 the speedway underwent major Rossetti-designed renovations: three new upscale clubhouses, luxury loge boxes, a social “Turn One Pavilion” by the start-finish line, and a 5,200 sq ft interactive sports lounge were added to enhance the fan experience (www.thestadiumbusiness.com) (www.lvms.com). These upgrades mean LVMS offers more premium seating and amenities than ever before, including movable terraces and in-seat beverage rails. The facility is truly multi-purpose – a single venue where fans can watch NASCAR stock cars, NHRA dragsters, motocross bikes on a built-in SX track, and even dance at a giant EDM festival.

Historically, LVMS has achieved several milestones: it was the first NASCAR track to host two full 3-day Cup/Xfinity race weekends in a single year (spring and fall 2018) (lvsportsbiz.com). It’s also known for its sheer scale – the Las Vegas Motor Speedway grounds contain over a square mile of contiguous asphalt (more than one might find at any other U.S. racetrack) (clui.org). In fact, part of LVMS’s property extends across the interstate into a long automotive storage lot for 10,000+ cars (clui.org). On the cultural side, hosting EDC has put LVMS on the map as a major entertainment venue – the festival’s massive crowds (hundreds of thousands over a weekend) have brought a youth-oriented rave culture to this desert speedway (clui.org). All of these factors – the desert setting, the night races under Vegas lights, the tailgating and on-track spectacle, and the mix of sports and music – combine to give LVMS a very special, high-energy atmosphere that both drivers and fans love.

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: LVMS provides comprehensive accessibility services. Elevators (Numbers 2 and 7) link parking to mezzanine and suite levels, and stadium ramps accommodate wheelchairs (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Accessible restrooms are scattered throughout the site (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Special ADA golf carts and shuttle vans run from designated ADA parking lots to the entry gates (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). If you need assistance or have specific questions, contact the venue in advance.

What to Bring: Since almost all seating at LVMS is outdoors, plan for the weather. Sunscreen, hats and water bottles are essential for daytime races (Nevada sun is intense and the grandstands have little shade). For night races or early-season events, bring a light jacket – winds can pick up in the desert evenings. Ear protection (ear plugs or headphones) is strongly recommended, especially for children, due to the high noise levels during starts and passes. Binoculars can enhance distant views, and a poncho or light rain jacket can be wise in case of unexpected showers (events typically go on rain-or-shine (www.speedwaylasvegas.com)). Familiar items like cameras and smartphones are allowed (handheld only), but remember that illegal drugs, fireworks, weapons, and large umbrellas are banned (www.speedwaylasvegas.com) (www.speedwaylasvegas.com).

Arrival and Entry: Expect security screening queues. Have your bags open and tickets/ID ready when you reach the gate (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). Do not bring prohibited items (as noted above) to avoid delays. Because of LVMS’s remote location, plan to arrive well before the event start time to park, pass through security and find your seat. If you have high-end tickets or suites with early entry privileges, arrive early to enjoy pre-race hospitality.

Avoiding Hassles: There is no re-entry once you leave the gates (www.speedwaylasvegas.com), so plan accordingly (tie up coats/umbrellas outside if possible). Only service animals are permitted inside (www.speedwaylasvegas.com) (www.speedwaylasvegas.com). For fans attending in wheelchairs or requiring assistance, utilize the shuttle and gate services mentioned above. Also note that all events at LVMS are smoke-free zones (www.speedwaylasvegas.com), so plan smoking breaks outside. Lastly, review any event-specific rules (for example, some riders and concert events may restrict certain items like alcohol or require age verification) – but for standard racing events there are typically no age restrictions, and alcoholic beverages can be purchased at most stands.