It's been 40 years since this race has been in Vegas. There are locals that hope it never returns. The actual race happens this Saturday night at 10PM. The Practice/Qualifying runs happened last night and tonight. First Practice/Qualifying runs start at 8:30PM (PT) and the other two start at midnight (PT). Wild/Weird, but true! Part of the track runs right down the Strip in front of Paris Hotel/Casino and others in that area, including going around the Sphere (huge lighted ball). Lots and lots of money has gone into making the track, grandstands, etc.. All three airports here, Henderson Executive, the main one (International one) and another are all full of Lear Jets of very rich F1 fans. All overnight spots have been reserved already. Unfortunately, last night, during the first Practice/Qualifying run, a car hit a loose drain hole cover on the track and two others were damaged by broken concrete from it. The car that hit the loose cover was damaged pretty bad. The Team Leader of the Ferrari (badly damaged one) is outraged over the cost of repairs and very concerned about track safety. On another note, on tv, the Strip and track lights are incredible to see. And seeing the Sphere Ball lit up during the race is awesome!
I watched the video for that, and that Ferrari was really burning underneath. I read that they are still decided whether to go ahead with the race or not, after that accident. You would have thought that they would have done a much better job checking out the road before they approved the race.
Wife and I thought that as well (checking), but they are saying that (apparently) some concrete got knocked loose. However, there are both drivers and Pit Teams/Leaders that are very concerned about the track. Will see what happens tonight.