The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix marked Formula 1’s return to the city after a four-decade absence, and it turned out to be a success. With the event backed by major players like Liberty Media, F1 saw a record US TV audience last year. For that reason, the race organizers have been looking forward to extending their partnership with the city, which is set to expire in 2027, and have also proposed infrastructural changes. However, Dana White doesn’t seem to like that collaboration very much.

According to the UFC head honcho, the significant disruptions from pit buildings and the racetrack would cause problems for local casinos and businesses. As such, White thinks that locals won’t appreciate their partnership despite the opportunities they bring.

“It’s interesting because I think the locals don’t love it, because there’s so much disruption,” White said on the ‘SPEED With Harvick and Buxton’ podcast. “And it’s fascinating because to do the race, you have to shut the strip down. And shutting the strip down is tough for a lot of the casinos. A few of the casinos do really, really well with it, and the rest starve.

“Then there are other businesses like restaurants that are right on the corners of the strip, and it’s one of those things that if you’re a local, you avoid it the week it’s there. You just stay away from that area…. I don’t know how it’s been for the casinos, but I mean, it doesn’t matter. We’re locked in for like 10 years. So I think that’s the deal—eight or ten years.”

For those unaware, F1 recorded breaking numbers on ESPN last year, bringing in over 1.5 million viewers. But while Formula 1 delivered huge success for broadcasters, locals have raised several complaints. According to a report by News 3 Las Vegas, the extended construction of race tracks caused logistical issues such as traffic jams, affecting daily commutes.

Furthermore, another report from the SportsBusiness Journal cited dissatisfaction among local businesses such as Jjanga Sushi and Oyster Bar, which are located outside the ring track. They claimed their business had been “significantly impacted by road closures and construction-related traffic” leading up to F1 events. In that case, Dana White rightly pointed out some of the shortcomings. 

That said, it should be noted that the UFC CEO has sponsored NASCAR and has become highly invested in its ventures. So, would it be a stretch to say his comments were also targeted at a competitor? Probably not. However, White has made significant progress in his relationship with NASCAR.  

Dana White joins the production team of RAM – NASCAR  

In January, Ram declared that they are coming back to NASCAR as a primary manufacturer in the Craftsman Truck Series. For those who don’t know, it’s an eight-episode project titled Race for the Seat. In the show’s premiere, the prominent NASCAR team Kaulig Racing joined with Dana White. The reason? The UFC boss is serving as the executive producer of the show.

As per the show’s format, 15 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers will drive the Ram 1500, creating some iconic moments in the show, and the UFC CEO is clearly excited to bring his production magic to NASCAR viewers.

“Ram is an iconic American brand, and I’m excited to partner up with them for their new reality series, Race for the Seat,” White said, according to Heavy. “This reality show is all about finding up-and-coming drivers and giving them a massive platform. The best always rise to the top in this type of competition. We are going to find the next generation of superstars for the NASCAR Truck Series,” he added.

That said, what do you think of Dana White’s involvement in the racing world? Do you see him establishing his own league in the future? Let us know in the comments section below.