Second Cup race likely for Las Vegas

Las Vegas Motor Speedway could have a second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race as early as next year reports the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Posted to its website Friday, the Review-Journal says the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors has scheduled a Wednesday meeting where a seven-year sponsorship agreement with the track will be discussed.

The $2.5 million deal would see the 1.5-mile facility host both a spring and fall Cup race with the option for three additional years. Per the Review-Journal, the sponsorship and marketing agreement would dedicate $1 million per race, plus $500,000 a year to market both the spring and fall races at Las Vegas. There are also clauses in the contract to cancel payments if a race is canceled and not rescheduled, is not a top-tier NASCAR race or if it isn’t broadcast on a major broadcast or cable television network.

A statement issued by NASCAR from Jim Cassidy, senior vice president of racing operations and NASCAR event management, said, “We are constantly working with promoters to discuss and develop NASCAR schedules. We have not finalized any schedules for 2018 or beyond, but will announce them as they become final.”

Owned by Speedway Motorsports Inc., Las Vegas has hosted a Cup Series race since 1998.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway issued the following statement:

“All the information regarding a potential sponsorship opportunity between Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority can be found at www.lvcva.com. When there is more information to provide, we will do so subsequent to the LVCVA Board of Directors meeting on March 8.”