From off-road to the racing track, SpeedVegas offers an adrenaline boost

It’s been an eventful few years 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.

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. Not to mention a much safer one as well.

With coronavirus still very much a concern, SpeedVegas is maintaining a rigorous cleaning schedule, including all high-touch surfaces and highly trafficked areas like the clubhouse, cars and back-of-house areas. Every customer receives the following equipment upon arrival: face mask, disposable gloves, head sock, safety glasses, and Tyvek suit. In addition, SpeedVegas utilizes a UVC lightbox sanitation and disinfecting system for helmets, and all cars are driven with the windows down to ensure a constant supply of fresh air.

Every guest station has been retrofitted with acrylic glass shield protectors, and the facility’s Speed Cafe and pit counter areas are now closed; they’ve been replaced by new software technology for an improved guest experience, and snacks are still available in a vending machine area.

None of these measures remotely reduces the fun factor of the experience, however. Just wait until you take your first drive on the facility’s dirt track, a true 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. And SpeedVegas has introduced 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 offer up to 500 horsepower.

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,” said director of marketing Josh Bulrice.

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 includes 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.

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. “Our ultimate goal is to be the No. 1 motor sports destination in the world,” Bulrice said. “If you want to know more about cars, SpeedVegas is the place you want to come.”

14200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., reservations strongly recommended, starting at $39 per lap plus tax and fee, 18+ to drive. 888.261.4925

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