The NASCAR Cup Series drivers and teams will start the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs this weekend. The action is set to take place out west in the desert at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 1.5-mile D-shaped oval is a change of pace from the short tracks that they have raced at the previous two weeks. The South Point 400 will be the 30th race of the 2021 season overall and fourth of the playoffs. Read on for some LVMS history and track stats, as well as the full NASCAR weekend racing schedule.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Overview
Las Vegas Motor Speedway originally opened as a road course and drag strip in 1972. The track added a 1.5-mile oval track in 1996. The first NASCAR event held at the track was a Truck Series race that November. The first NASCAR Cup Series race was held in 1998 and won by Mark Martin.
Since 1998, the NASCAR Cup Series has held at least one race at the track every season. Since 2018, LVMS has hosted two races each season with a fall playoff race joining the spring Pennzoil 400 event. Jimmie Johnson has the most all-time wins at Las Vegas of any driver with four. Brad Keselowski has the most among the active drivers with three, including two in the spring race.
IndyCar No Longer Runs at LVMS
Las Vegas Motor Speedway also used to host the IndyCar Series until one tragic moment. On October 16, 2011, the IndyCar Series was running their final race of the season at the track. On Lap 11, a huge crash collected Dan Wheldon. Wheldon would tragically lose his life in the wreck. The open-wheel series has not been back to LVMS since.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway Spring Race Recap
Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott battled early in the race before Kyle Larson took over. Larson dominated from the second stage on as he earned his first stage win and outright race win in the Pennzoil 400 back in March. His success at Las Vegas kicked off an amazing year for Larson, who captured his sixth victory in a wild race last weekend at Bristol.
NASCAR Cup Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Weekend Racing Schedule
Victoria’s Voice Foundation 200
Series: NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series
Date: Friday, September 24, 2021
Start Time: 9 P.M. EST
Coverage: FS1
Distance: 200 miles
Laps: 134
Alsco Uniforms 302
Series: NASCAR Xfinity Series
Date: Saturday, September 25, 2021
Start Time: 7:30 P.M. EST
Coverage: NBCSN
Distance: 302 miles
Laps: 201
South Point 400
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Date: Sunday, September 26, 2021
Start Time: 7 P.M. EST
Coverage: NBCSN
Distance: 400 miles
Laps: 267
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