Formula One back to Las Vegas?

Dixie Flatline · 20 Feb 2006, 11:45 (Ref:1526920)

There is a report on f1racing.net that Formula One might be quitting Indy after the current contract expires and setting up shop in the Nevada desert in the mean streets of Las Vegas - well, at least that's the wistful thinking of Bernie E., apparently:

http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=109811

Dixie Flatline · 20 Feb 2006, 11:50 (Ref:1526927)

grandprix.com's take on the rumour is that it's merely a negotiating ploy concerning Indy:

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns16270.html

Silk Cut Jaguar · 20 Feb 2006, 11:51 (Ref:1526929)

Haven't ChampCar been trying to start a Las Vegas street race for a while now too? If anyone can pull it together it's Bernie, I suppose it depends if this is just to hurry up a new Indy deal or a genuine want from FOM.

Either way I hope it signals the end of Indy on the F1 calendar, the only thing in it's favour is the run around the oval and even that has lost it's novelty now due to the rest of the track being super dull.

Dixie Flatline · 20 Feb 2006, 11:54 (Ref:1526936)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silk Cut Jaguar

Haven't ChampCar been trying to start a Las Vegas street race for a while now too? If anyone can pull it together it's Bernie, I suppose it depends if this is just to hurry up a new Indy deal or a genuine want from FOM.

Either way I hope it signals the end of Indy on the F1 calendar, the only thing in it's favour is the run around the oval and even that has lost it's novelty now due to the rest of the track being super dull.

I think Ralf wouldn't mind the novelty of actually completing a lap around the oval without actually hitting the wall and keeping all 4 tyres on the car.

safc_fan89 · 20 Feb 2006, 12:10 (Ref:1526943)

I'd rather have Indy than a race in Las Vegas, so I hope it isn't a possibility. I can't say I like the Indy track but street races and F1 do not mix. I don't even like Monaco any more!

slicktoast · 20 Feb 2006, 13:11 (Ref:1526999)

Never happen! It's amazing that there is one GP in the US as it is.

ascarmarshal · 20 Feb 2006, 13:12 (Ref:1527001)

There is a major multi million dollar improvement programme at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and is rumoured to include a F1 standard road course. The actual complex of LVMS is huge with a 1.5 mile oval, a short dirt oval and a drag strip so a road course seperate from the other tracks should be no problem. Plus the local bus service do shuttles from The Strip to the circuit on race weekends

Suze · 20 Feb 2006, 13:30 (Ref:1527019)

it's a bernie ploy - can't see it

avsfan733 · 20 Feb 2006, 14:04 (Ref:1527055)

I think it would work quite well...a lot of the casinos are really trying to cater to higher end consumers, of which many international travelers fall into thoose categories. Bring the F1 circus to las vegas and it would be a total hit. Huge money would be thrown down by steve wynn etc to make this a reality.

Suze · 20 Feb 2006, 14:09 (Ref:1527057)

it'd make a lotta money for some people, for sure

**touringlegend** · 20 Feb 2006, 14:17 (Ref:1527060)

I'm not entirely sure on it, however it could be the West GP and Indy the East GP - they could even take alternate years on the calendar in this day in age.

ASCII Man · 20 Feb 2006, 14:39 (Ref:1527071)

F1 is just like Vegas, a corporate show, so why not?

ECW Dan Selby · 20 Feb 2006, 16:07 (Ref:1527125)

haha Good point

Selby

shambles · 20 Feb 2006, 16:21 (Ref:1527136)

Well - personally, I loathe the Indy road course, all well and good having a banking - but to have a mickey mouse in-field, just bores me. So naturally, I would love to see a Las Vegas street race, as long - as they get the layout right. I'd tend, however - to sympathize with Grandprix.com's view, that - it is a negotiation ploy.

ECW Dan Selby · 20 Feb 2006, 16:41 (Ref:1527152)

Yeh I agree with all said there. We have Tilke's tracks for our fair share of Micky Mouses, thanks.

Selby

Draven · 20 Feb 2006, 17:25 (Ref:1527185)

I think a good road course in Vegas would be a perfect addition to vary the current F1 tracks. And as is pointed out above there are many Casino owners who would put big money behind the track if they like what is presented to them. Vegas is very serious about hosting the biggest sports events.

EERO · 20 Feb 2006, 18:49 (Ref:1527241)

Geez, the last GP in Vegas was such a success....

Actually, I loathe the track at Indy as well for the dreadful Mickey Mouse infield.

Seeing the IRL at the Glen this past summer was a reminder that there is already a terrific GP track in the States and that either Laguna or Road America would be terrific substitutes as well. But as we all know, F1 isn't about racing its about Money and its easier to bring the race to the people than the people to the race.

A street race in Vegas would be compromised. The Strip could never shut down for a race as the profits from gambling could never be compromised. So if it's at Las Vegas Raceway...oh boy, another desert race.