Las Vegas Strip Circuit - Map, Layout & Upcoming Events | MotorSportRadar

Las Vegas Strip Circuit

Las Vegas Strip Circuit

Location:

Paradise (Las Vegas Strip), USA

Local Weather & Time


Upcoming at Las Vegas Strip Circuit

Upcoming at Las Vegas Strip Circuit
Las Vegas Grand Prix
Formula 1 Academy
19 - 21 Nov
Las Vegas Grand Prix
Formula 1
19 - 22 Nov

Track Info

Las Vegas Strip Circuit - Las Vegas, USA

Temporary street circuit through the Resort Corridor - clockwise - ultra long Strip straight and a flat out night race

First Race
2023
Modern Formula 1 returned to Las Vegas with a brand new route centered on Las Vegas Boulevard.
Circuit Length
6.201 km
50 laps - 310.05 km race distance on the Grand Prix layout.
Turns
17
Key corners include the heavy stop at T1, the sweeping T6 to T9 section, and the quick left right of T14 15 before the final braking zone.
Lap Record (Race)
1:34.876 - Lando Norris (McLaren), 2024
Formula 1 - current official race lap on the 6.201 km layout. 2023 benchmark was 1:35.490 by Oscar Piastri.
DRS Zones
2
One along the main Strip straight and one earlier in the lap to help set up passes at T1 and T5.

When was the track built?

The modern street course was created for the 2023 event using newly built and existing city streets around the Sphere, the Wynn and the Strip itself. F1 constructed a permanent pit and paddock complex on Sands Avenue, while the rest of the lap is formed by temporary barriers, TecPro and lighting optimized for night racing.

The design emphasizes spectacle and drafting battles, anchoring the lap with a roughly 1.2 mile Strip straight before a fast brake zone to close the lap. Ongoing refinements have improved bumps, drainage and sight lines while keeping the layout’s high speed character.

When was its first race?

The venue’s first race was the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, a night event that reintroduced Formula 1 to the city on a brand new course distinct from the early 1980s Caesars Palace layout.

What's the circuit like?

  • Straight line speed: The Strip straight produces some of the season’s highest top speeds and huge slipstream effects into the final braking zone.
  • Stop start to sweepers: A big Turn 1 stop leads into a mix of 90 degree city corners and quicker arcs from T6 to T9 that reward stability over kerbs.
  • Two DRS zones: One opens onto the Strip and another earlier in the lap, creating back to back chances to attack and counter into T1 and T5.
  • Night conditions: Cool desert air at night boosts power but can make tyre warm up tricky, so out laps and Safety Car restarts are pivotal.
  • Benchmark pace: Official F1 race lap record 1:34.876. Recent poles land in the low 1:32s with cars trimmed for low drag.

Lap records and benchmarks (by series)

  • Formula 1 (race lap): 1:34.876 - Lando Norris, 2024 Las Vegas GP - current 6.201 km layout.
  • Formula 1 (first year reference): 1:35.490 - Oscar Piastri, 2023 Las Vegas GP - inaugural event benchmark.
  • Event heritage in Las Vegas: Earlier F1 visits in 1981 1982 used a different Caesars Palace car park circuit, historically separate from today’s Strip route.

Why go?

It is a neon soaked night race with long grandstands lining the Strip and sightlines past some of the world’s most famous resorts. Drafting battles and late braking into Turn 1 keep the racing honest, while the city delivers a festival weekend of concerts, cuisine and after hours energy.

Where's the best place to watch?

  • Main grandstand and pit straight: Grid, pit stops and the sprint from the final corner with DRS open onto the Strip.
  • Turn 1 complex: Heaviest braking on the lap and the prime overtaking zone. Great for starts, restarts and switchbacks.
  • End of the Strip straight: Watch slipstream trains and late lunges as cars decelerate from top speed into the final sector.
  • T6 to T9 sweep: Fast direction changes show which cars have balance when trimmed for low drag.
  • Sphere and paddock zone: Unique visuals as cars pass the Sphere and dive toward the tight early lap complexes.

Not just F1: Las Vegas racing context

Historic F1 at Caesars Palace: The 1981 1982 races ran on a compact, separate circuit beside the old casino, adding a distinct chapter to the city’s GP history.

Regional and demo events: Non championship showcases and support activities around GP week bring one make GTs, classic displays and fan festivals to the Resort Corridor.

Wider Vegas motorsport: The city also hosts major events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway across NASCAR, NHRA and late model platforms, underscoring its year round racing culture.

Transportation & Parking

Getting to Las Vegas Strip Circuit - Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

Best options are the Las Vegas Monorail with short walks to perimeter gates, designated rideshare drop zones, and pre-booked event parking at approved facilities. Expect rolling evening road closures across race week around the Strip and Koval - plan extra time.

Nearest Rail
Las Vegas Monorail
Seven stations along the east side of the Strip: MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars, Harrah's/The LINQ, LVCC, Westgate, SAHARA.
Rideshare
Designated zones only
Typical locations include Virgin Hotels, Hughes Center, Tuscany, and Park MGM - follow your app's event geofencing.
Parking
Pre-booked lots
Use official and partner lots with walking or shuttle access - do not expect drive-up sales near the cordon.
Airport
Harry Reid Intl. LAS
Plan extra time around race days - airport advises pre-booked parking and early arrivals.
Closures
Evening road closures
Rolling closures nightly during the event footprint around the Strip - Koval - Sands - Harmon - Flamingo.

Las Vegas Monorail - the easiest way

  • Fastest in the zone: The Monorail runs behind the resorts on the east side of the Strip and avoids most race closures. Use the nearest station to your gate or hospitality.
  • Useful stations for gates: MGM Grand for the south Strip and paddock side, Horseshoe/Paris and Flamingo/Caesars for central grandstands, Harrah's/The LINQ for mid Strip access.
  • Wayfinding: After alighting, follow event signage to pedestrian bridges and perimeter walk routes to your printed gate.

Rideshare and taxis

  • Use designated hubs: Event operations assign specific pick up - drop off locations such as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Hughes Center, Tuscany, and Park MGM. Your app will route you to the nearest active hub.
  • After sessions: Expect queues at hubs. Walking 10-15 minutes to a less busy hub or a Monorail station can be faster than waiting curbside.

Driving and parking

  • Pre-book only: Reserve official LVGP parking products or partner garages outside the course perimeter. Prices vary and lots may include shuttle or signed walking routes.
  • Approach routes: Follow the route on your parking pass and local detours - many Strip approaches are closed in the evenings.

City buses during the GP

  • Detours and stop closures: RTC routes on and around the Strip operate with detours and temporary stop closures during race week - check live alerts before heading out.

Walking from stations and hubs

  • Monorail stations → gates: typically 10-25 minutes on stewarded routes using pedestrian bridges and temporary walkways - allow extra time after the flag due to one way flows.
  • Rideshare hubs → gates: similar 10-25 minute signed walks depending on your hub and ticketed zone.

Airport transfers

  • Harry Reid Intl. LAS → Strip corridor: use airport taxis or rideshare from the official stands. For departures after the race, the TSA and airport recommend arriving well early due to congestion.

Gate quick guide - what is nearest

  • South Strip - paddock side: best via MGM Grand Monorail or Park MGM rideshare hub.
  • Central Strip grandstands: Horseshoe/Paris or Flamingo/Caesars Monorail stations, or Tuscany rideshare hub.
  • North - Sphere - Sands corridor: Harrah's/The LINQ or LV Convention Center Monorail, or Hughes Center rideshare area.

Always follow the gate printed on your e-ticket and the Clark County - LVGP transport bulletins for last minute detours, bridge openings, and closure times.

Nearby Activities

Things to do around Las Vegas Strip Circuit (Las Vegas, Nevada, USA)

Whether you are here for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix or another motorsport event week, the night race runs through the heart of the Strip - with shows, family attractions, desert parks and neon history to fill mornings, afternoons and non race nights.

Motorsport at LV Strip
F1 night race + specials
Sessions typically run late evening. Support categories and fan zones vary by year.
Typical event window
Mid - late November
Average highs around 18°C - lows around 7°C. Nights feel cool - bring a layer.
Event impact
Roads and walkways change
Temporary closures along Las Vegas Boulevard and footbridge routing adjustments during build and race days.
Nearby hubs
The Strip - Downtown - Arts District
Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam are easy day trips.

Family friendly highlights on and near the Strip

  • Bellagio Conservatory & Fountains: Seasonal floral displays by day - choreographed fountain shows in the evening. Check race week adjustments to show times.
  • High Roller at The LINQ: 30 minute observation wheel ride with skyline views - great at sunset or after the night sessions.
  • Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay: Walk through tunnels with sharks, rays and sea turtles - an easy half day with kids.
  • Discovery Children's Museum: Hands on science and play spaces near downtown - ideal for younger travelers.
  • Adventuredome at Circus Circus: Indoor amusement park with coasters and family rides - weather proof fun.
  • FlyOver Las Vegas: Motion flight ride with wind and mist effects - quick add on before dinner.
  • AREA15 - Omega Mart and experiences: Immersive art and interactive attractions for teens and adults - timed tickets recommended.

Popular attractions use timed entry on busy weekends - reserve ahead for Friday and Saturday.

Culture hits and rainy day winners

  • The Neon Museum: Outdoor boneyard of classic Vegas signs with evening tours and photo friendly night glow.
  • The Mob Museum: Engaging exhibits on organized crime and law enforcement - allow 1.5 - 2 hours.
  • Fremont Street Experience: LED canopy light shows and live music downtown most evenings - pair with vintage casinos and old school neon.
  • The STRAT Tower: Observation decks and thrill rides for big panoramic views of the valley.
  • Spectacle shows: Cirque du Soleil residencies and headliner concerts stack up over race week - book early for prime times.

Eat and drink like a local

  • Resort dining on the Strip: Celebrity chef rooms, steakhouses and late dessert bars - perfect for celebratory race weekend meals.
  • Chinatown corridor on Spring Mountain: A short ride west for ramen, dim sum, regional Chinese and izakaya - great for groups.
  • Arts District - Brewery Row: Craft breweries, coffee spots and galleries - easy pre show or post practice hangout.
  • Race week tip: Friday and Saturday reservations go fast - lock in dinner and show times in advance.

Active outdoors between sessions

  • Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive: Short hikes like Calico Tanks or Pine Creek Canyon - go early for cooler temps and parking.
  • Seven Magic Mountains: Colorful stacked boulders in the desert south of town - quick photo stop that pairs with Sloan Canyon trails.
  • Springs Preserve: Desert botanical gardens, trails and exhibits - a calm reset away from the Strip.
  • Sunset city walks: The LINQ Promenade or Park MGM - T-Mobile Arena district for pedestrian friendly dining and people watching.

Easy day trips if you are extending your stay

  • Hoover Dam and Lake Mead - 45 to 60 minutes. Historic dam tours and lakeside viewpoints - combine with the Boulder City historic district.
  • Valley of Fire State Park - About 1 hour. Red sandstone landscapes, petroglyphs and short slot canyon walks - brilliant for photography.
  • Mojave Desert ghost towns - 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Nelson or Rhyolite for old mining ruins and desert art - best as a longer outing.
  • Mount Charleston - 1 to 1.25 hours. Cooler pine forest trails and alpine air - a totally different side of Vegas.
  • Grand Canyon West - 2 to 2.5 hours. Skywalk on the Hualapai Reservation - ambitious but doable as a full day from the Strip.

Driving times are approximate and can rise on headline weekends. State and tribal sites may use timed tickets or have last entry cutoffs - check before you go.

When to go and what to expect

  • Peak motorsport - Race week brings late night sessions, concerts and pop ups. Restaurants and shows near the circuit route book out quickly.
  • Weather - Dry and cool by night in November. Pack comfortable shoes for long stints on concrete and a warm layer for grandstand nights.

Practical notes during race weeks

  • Access changes: Parts of the Strip, nearby roads and some pedestrian bridges are rerouted or controlled. Expect security checkpoints around the circuit zone.
  • Show and attraction hours: Some venues adjust schedules on race nights - verify your date and last entry times.
  • Plan ahead: Book dining, shows, observation wheels and museum slots early. Many venues are cashless friendly and use mobile tickets.

Opening hours, ticketing and event week operations can change - check official sites for the exact dates you attend.

Hotels & Accommodation

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