USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (6) talks to the press during Daytona 500 media day at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit:Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (6) talks to the press during Daytona 500 media day at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit:Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Formula 1 is one of the most popular motorsports in the world. In fact, Formula 1 had a whopping 1.55 billion cumulative broadcast audience. F1 has really picked up, and to add to the excitement, a new track will be added to the 2023 F1 calendar. Yep, Las Vegas. The 2023 year will officially see the grid go to Las Vegas for the race!
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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – MARCH 10: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally retouched) The F1 drivers pose for a photo on the grid with their cars during Day One of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 10, 2022 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Well, it’s not exactly a “new” track since Las Vegas hosted races in 1981 and 1982, but it will be back after 4 decades.
💥@F1 tonight is officially announcing that it will bring a new Saturday-night 50-lap race to The @Vegas Strip starting next season, in November 2023.
🔳 The 3.8-mile track has three main straights/14 corners/a high-speed cornering sequence/a chicane section/top speed of 212MPH. pic.twitter.com/c802DbMenu
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) March 31, 2022
Alongside the Formula 1 fanbase, the NASCAR community is also very excited about the new race.
NASCAR Community React to The New Las Vegas GP
Brad Keselowski is one of the most popular figures in NASCAR right now. And, the Cup Series champion and team owner came forward to congratulate Formula 1.
This is crazy cool
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) March 31, 2022
The Phoenix winner, Chase Briscoe came in hopes of adding Las Vegas to NASCAR.
Can we add @NASCAR too? 🤞🏻 https://t.co/CYkIj7VJYF
— Chase Briscoe (@ChaseBriscoe_14) March 31, 2022
It seems that some of the fans want a Lag Vegas NASCAR race too
That's badass..NASCAR should run that if they're serious about street courses. That'd be really cool
— Alex Dietz (@AlexDietz20) March 31, 2022
This would actually work perfectly, have the F1 guys pack up Sunday morning and cup race on Sunday.
— TheRowdyFan (@TheRowdyFan18) March 31, 2022
The Formula 1 Driver Who Competed in NASCAR
While Formula 1 and NASCAR are 2 of the biggest motorsports in the world, it’s not so common to see the 2 worlds collide as often. However, there is one driver that stands out.
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DOVER, DE – SEPTEMBER 21: Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the #42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge, stands next to his car on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Dodge Dealers 400 at Dover International Speedway on September 21, 2007 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Of course, we are talking about Juan Pablo Montoya, a Formula 1 driver who came off as very promising at the start. In fact, Montoya finished 6th only in his first season in F1, beating the likes of Raikkonen. On top of that, he stepped on the podium on many occasions, driving for William. However, the tables turned when Juan Pablo Montoya took a switch over to NASCAR, driving full time for Chip Ganassi Racing from 2006.
In the end, it’s great to see the new track added in the calendar and fans are thrilled to see another big opportunity for F1 to grow in the US market.