NASCAR weekend generates $240 million for Las Vegas economy

18 July 2012

By Hubble Smith

The NASCAR race weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway contributed more than $240 million to the local economy, the largest economic impact in the event's 15-year history, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported Tuesday.

The economic contribution is up 26.3 percent from the previous year, and it's the fourth consecutive year-over-year increase.

The convention authority's study found that 71 percent of fans attending the race came from out of town and 13 percent were international visitors. The study also reported that 75 percent of the spectators stayed in a hotel, compared with 64 percent in 2011.

"This is the biggest sporting event each year in Nevada, and we're proud of the role the speedway plays within the community," Las Vegas Motor Speedway President Chris Powell said.

The race weekend of March 9-11 included the Kobalt Tools 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide race, Stratosphere Pole Day and two nights of dirt-track racing for USAC and the World of Outlaws.