Its been an eventful year for SpeedVegas, a racing experience just south of the M Resort that offers not only drifting and exotic cars, but also a custom-built dirt track that promises adrenaline-pumping fun for all skill levels.
And even if you’ve already driven a Ferrari there or achieved serious air on the 1.4-mile dirt track, SpeedVegas has changed things up considerably, promising an even more memorable experience the second time around.
Most of those changes surround the facility’s dirt track experience, which is already proving to be a difference maker in a crowded field of racing experiences across the Las Vegas Valley (no other facility offers anything like it). Currently, drivers can choose from 15 custom-built vehicles, each valued at $160,000 and featuring state-of-the-art equipment. After a quick video and some basic lessons, drivers are set loose on the course, with SpeedVegas technicians feeding you information through radio communication in your ear.
Starting this month, SpeedVegas is introducing a serious upgrade to the off-road experience with its 6100 class of custom-built trucks. Riders now have the option of the current fleet, which includes 300-horsepower engines, and the 6100 trucks, which will offer up to 500 horsepower. “This is a real race truck,” said director of marketing Josh Bulrice. “You’re going to have more power underneath you, but you’re also going to have more control of the truck. You’ll have more suspension, more range. It’s a substantially better experience.”
In addition to ride-alongs, SpeedVegas will offer half-day classes to train drivers how to operate the new vehicles. It’s the same concept the facility currently uses for its exotics program—start small and work your way up to the serious machines. “You’ll start in a short-course truck and you’ll advance all the way to a trophy-style truck,” Bulrice said.
Off-roading is where SpeedVegas truly distinguishes itself from the rest of the racing pack; Mike Self, CEO and co-owner of SpeedVegas, is a guy you want handling your off-road racing experience. His resume is beyond reproach, including a win in his racing class at the 2012 Mint 400. He also operated an off-road racing company in Boulder City for years, and knew exactly what kind of course he wanted to design upon taking the reins at SpeedVegas last year.
But the significant changes don’t stop there. Starting soon, SpeedVegas will become an official RZR school. Polaris RZR owners can bring their vehicles to the facility and receive a half-day or full-day course on mastering the machine.
For those coming to SpeedVegas to race exotics, more good news: You can now drive any car for one lap, instead of the traditional five-lap minimum that many tracks have adopted. “If you want to come and drive a Ferrari for one lap only, we will let you do that,” Bulrice said. “Then if you want to drive a Lamborghini and then a Porsche, you do not have a minimum on any one of those cars. If you’re not sure what car you want, this gives you options.”
SpeedVegas’ fleet of exotics is always changing, so return visits are mandatory for fans. Yes, there will always be the Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches, but now look for Corvettes and the Nissan NSX, which Bulrice called “one of the best cars; the customer experience is unbelievable. I strongly encourage everyone to get behind the wheel at least once.”
There’s also plenty to keep the kids busy. In addition to a fully stocked snack bar, SpeedVegas offers two free Xbox video game kiosks sponsored by the Forza racing series.
“Our ultimate goal is to be the No. 1 motor sports destination in the world,” Bulrice said. “Our 100-acre campus is quickly growing. If you want to know more about cars, SpeedVegas is the place you want to come.”
14200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily (reservations recommended), starting at $39 per lap plus tax and fee, 18+ to drive. 888.261.4925
