LVMS expecting record crowd for UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400

Despite the challenging economic conditions and some people’s reluctance to travel, Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s upcoming NASCAR Winston Cup event, the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400, is on the verge of hosting its largest crowd in the five years of the event.

NASCAR Weekend in Las Vegas is set for Feb. 28-March 3.

At the current pace, LVMS is anticipating its largest one-day crowd. The attendance likely will climb well above 130,000 fans.

“The demand for tickets this year has been amazing,” said Chris Powell, LVMS executive vice president and general manager. “There was a lot of concern several months ago when the economic recession became apparent. And the tragedies of Sept. 11 obviously had an effect on people’s willingness to travel long distances.

“But despite all those challenges, the sport of NASCAR remains incredibly strong. We’re gearing up for one of our biggest weekends ever.”

The Las Vegas economy was one of the hardest hit by the events of Sept. 11. But the first weekend in March will bring thousands of people flocking to town.

“I’ve talked to a number of business leaders throughout the community,” Powell said. “And everyone is looking to NASCAR Weekend with great anticipation. One of the great benefits of the weekend is the tremendous impact it has on the local economy, with about 80 percent of the fans coming to Las Vegas from out of state. The weekend’s effect on the economy is greater than $120 million according to estimates from the LVCVA (Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority).”

“NASCAR’s impact on the Las Vegas community is virtually unmatched,” said Manny Cortez, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “It seems that each year the event gets bigger and better, and with the prospect of having a record crowd for this year’s event, it will provide a much needed boost for our community.”

Powell said many NASCAR fans have called the speedway recently seeking seats on the 1.5-mile oval’s front straightaway, only to come away disappointed.

“We simply don’t have anymore,” Powell said. “We’re sold out of everything in permanent seating. The best option now is for the bleachers in Turn 3, and they provide excellent sight lines. And for that $75 ticket, fans receive not only admission to the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 on March 3 but also the Busch Series Sam’s Town 300 March 2 and the Las Vegas 350 Craftsman Truck event Oct. 13.

“If there’s a lesson to be learned for next year, it’s for fans to buy early for 2003.”

LVMS increasing security for NASCAR Weekend

Even though the green flag will drop an hour later than in previous years, Las Vegas Motor Speedway officials are encouraging race fans to leave early for the March 3 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Winston Cup race.

The speedway will use the same successful traffic pattern from the 2001 event, but increased security measures may cause delays at the gates. Speedway officials unveiled their traffic and security plan for this year’s event during a news conference Wednesday at the speedway.

“We’ve heightened security this year,” said Chris Powell, LVMS executive vice president and general manager. “The most important thing is the safety of everyone in attendance for our NASCAR events.”

In order to hasten everyone’s entrance through the ticket gates, LVMS officials are requesting that fans bring as little “baggage” as possible. All bags will be checked before they are allowed through the gate, including camera bags. Adhering to a policy that began when LVMS opened in 1996, the speedway does not allow coolers through the gates.

“The fewer items to be checked, the less time it will take people to get through the gate,” Powell said. “There also will be tighter restrictions on vehicular access to areas closest to the grandstands. We hope that fans will plan on arriving early to minimize any delays at the entry gates.”

The Winston Cup UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 3. Previous Winston Cup races have begun at 11:30 a.m.

A two-lane, northbound exit route on Las Vegas Boulevard is the only change from last year’s traffic pattern.

Race fans parking in the yellow, white and handicap lots will be directed onto the new northbound route on Las Vegas Boulevard. Anyone parked in the Blue Lot will have the option to use the new route as well.

“In 2001, we had the best traffic flow ever for a NASCAR Winston Cup event,” Powell said. “The success of the ingress last year has allowed us to make very few changes to the traffic patterns coming to the speedway. The addition of the two northbound lanes on Las Vegas Boulevard following the race will allow us to clear the parking areas more quickly.

“The traffic situation has improved steadily from year to year. Each year, we find ways to make the situation even better. We still suggest that fans take the various buses and shuttles that are available from downtown and The Strip as opposed to driving to the speedway. Even though the race is starting an hour later this year, we are encouraging everyone to get an early start.”

Speedway officials are expecting a crowd in excess of 130,000 fans for the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400. The weekend kicks off with qualifying for both the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 and Sam’s Town 300 on Friday, March 1. The Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series race will be held Saturday, March 2. There also will be three nights of the Pennzoil World of Outlaws on the half-mile dirt track beginning Thursday, Feb. 28.