Today is Oct. 22 — which means we’re exactly one month away from the Las Vegas Grand Prix 😬 We’ll give Formula 1 some credit. The race organization dropped ticket prices, improved the track construction schedule, and kept locals more in mind this year. Still — the experience remains pricey. So what else does Vegas have to offer race fans in the weeks ahead of the big event?
🍸 F1 Arcade
Much like Topgolf or Flight Club, F1 Arcade mixes a fun sport with food, booze, and a party atmosphere — this time, a love of Formula One racing inside the Forum Shops at Caesars. The race simulators are more user-friendly (and fun tbh) than the ones City Cast saw firsthand at Grand Prix Plaza, offering a high-intensity chance to take virtual laps around the Las Vegas Grand Prix, along with other F1 courses. Families are welcome throughout the day. The night switches into a 21-and-over lounge mode after 7 p.m. Either way, you get to fill up your tank with burgers, flatbreads, and tandoori chicken tacos 👀
🏎️ Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Head north of Las Vegas and you’ll hit the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and its 1.5-mile tri-oval, which is home to NASCAR in Vegas (and the Electric Daisy Carnival, but that’s another story). A surrounding complex includes a four-lane drag strip that welcomes the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. with closer views and cheaper tickets than F1. The Speedway also has regular fan-friendly attractions like Dream Racing, the NASCAR Racing Experience, and tours to get visitors out of the stands and onto the track.
🏁 Speed Vegas
Hop inside a Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, or another exotic car at Speed Vegas and zip around a racetrack that's just as long as the one at the Speedway with elevation shifts, sharp turns, and a straightaway to floor the gas pedal up to 150 miles per hour. Located south of the Strip on Las Vegas Boulevard, Speed Vegas also has off-road racing and a Go Kart track for youngsters.
🏗️ Shelby American
Founded by racing visionary Carroll Shelby, the only car manufacturer in Nevada is hiding in plain sight with a factory alongside Interstate 15 near Town Square. Visit the Shelby American Heritage Center — a glorified gift shop and museum with no admission charge — to learn about icons like the AC Cobra and Shelby Mustang or sign up for a full-fledged tour to see how today’s high-performance vehicles are produced.
