NASCAR Weekend in Las Vegas Kicks Off with Strip Hauler Parade

Posted on: March 4, 2022, 06:59h. 

Last updated on: March 4, 2022, 02:57h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A caravan of 18-wheelers once again traveled on the Las Vegas Strip Thursday to launch the annual local NASCAR Weekend. Last year, it was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The main NASCAR event Pennzoil 400
A yellow big rig was among the dozens of 18-wheelers taking part in Thursday’s Hauler Parade on the Las Vegas Strip. The vehicles carried race cars to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for NASCAR events this weekend. (Image: KTNV)

Known as the Hauler Parade, approximately 40 rigs took part. They carried race cars and related equipment.

We’re so excited to bring the Hauler Parade back,” LVMS President Chris Powell told KSNV, a local TV station. “It’s quite a thrill to see the beautifully wrapped NASCAR haulers take over the Las Vegas Strip.”

The NASCAR weekend events started at South Point Hotel Casino & Spa. The 18-wheelers then traveled on Las Vegas Boulevard, making their way to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS), where Sunday’s headliner race will be held.

Research from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) revealed the 2019 race delivered a roughly $166 million economic impact on Southern Nevada. More than 100,000 fans typically descend on the region for the three-day event.

Pennzoil 400 on Sunday

The main NASCAR event this weekend is Sunday’s 25th annual Pennzoil 400, presented by Jiffy Lube.  The event is a NASCAR Cup Series Race. It kicks off at 12:30 pm. Among those competing are Daniel Hemric and Kyle Busch.

Busch, whose hometown is Las Vegas, will take part in both Friday’s and Sunday’s races. He will drive his own KBM Motorsports Toyota Tundra in Friday night’s Victoria’s Voice 200. He’s also looking to get his second Cup Series win at LVMS in the Pennzoil 400. He is the only driver to ever win in all three major series at LVMS.

Hemric, the reigning NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, will take part in Saturday’s Alsco Uniforms 300 and Sunday’s Pennzoil 400.

Country, NFL Headliners

Other NASCAR events this weekend include Friday’s Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200, presented by Westgate Resorts, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race. Also on Saturday, there will be the Alsco Uniforms 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race.

Country singer Tiera Kennedy of Alabama was selected to perform the national anthem prior to Sunday’s auto race. Country music group Midland will perform before the Pennzoil 400 begins. Midland’s favorite songs include “Drinkin’ Problem” and “Burn Out.”

Former NFL star Marcus Allen is the grand marshal for the race. He will let drivers know when to start their engines.

The running back played 16 seasons with the Los Angeles Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs. Earlier, he played for the USC Trojans and was awarded the Heisman Trophy.

NASCAR Weekend Fuels Local Economy

Research from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) revealed the 2019 race delivered a roughly $166 million economic impact on Southern Nevada. More than 100,000 fans typically descend on the region for the three-day event. Las Vegas visitor volume began its COVID-19 recovery last year.

This weekend’s event also may lead to traffic tie-ups in Las Vegas, KSNV, a local TV station, reported. There could be delays prior to and after races. The Nevada Department of Transportation advises that the heaviest traffic may be seen on I-15 at Exit 54 (Speedway Boulevard), as well as on Las Vegas Boulevard, north of East Craig Road, KSNV adds.