LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Last year, activities leading up to the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix included splashy surprise ticket giveaways to unsung heroes in the community. The focus was on finishing work in time, leaving little time for much else.
The approach is decidedly different this year. Race organizers are working with schools and community groups, inviting participation in a list of events. Local businesses are involved in providing services for the race setup from construction to tear-down. About two dozen local food trucks and vendors are getting spots during the weekend. Eighteen local entertainers — from deejays to the Blue Man Group — are taking part. F1 is even honoring CASA volunteers, having them present the American flag the night of the race.
Las Vegas is spending less time talking about traffic disruptions and the economic payoff from F1.
More community engagement is noticeable with the event — it’s not all about the casinos that have prime positions on the racecourse.
“We’re thrilled at F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix coming off inaugural year that we could evolve and grow in the local community and we’ve had such a great opportunity to really get to know the community to invite them into our event in so many ways,” Lori Nelson-Kraft, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc., said on Friday.
“And we’re just thrilled that as we get ready for race week, there are so many ways our local community has an opportunity to be part of all the fun and all the cool things that we have going on during race week,” she said.
Schools, in particular are a bigger part of how race organizers have included the community. On Wednesday, 600 middle-schoolers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the event.
“They’re going to walk pit lane and peek in garages and they’re going to learn from experts in racing about the different careers — through STEM-related careers,” Nelson-Kraft said.
“If we can inspire middle-school students to show them career paths and expose them to the cool careers in engineering that are aligned with racing, we think that’s a big win,” she said.
On Friday, Las Vegas Grand Prix announced $1,000 scholarships for four high school students involved in the Grand Prix’s Student Art Contest. In total, $10,000 in scholarships and art program donations were awarded this year, and 12 winners will be recognized on stage Saturday, Nov. 23, at the sold-out Fan Experience on the Strip across from Wynn Las Vegas.
The 12 student winners will have their artwork reflecting their personal take on “What F1 in Las Vegas looks like to them,” featured prominently on event scrim walls along the entrance to the South Koval Zone. The winners are:
- Stella Simpson, Theron H. & Naomi D. Goynes Elementary School
- Emmie Herrera, Frank J. Lamping Elementary School
- Sivajanani Mohanraj, Gordon McCaw Elementary School
- Janette Hospina, Rodger D. Gehring Academy of Science and Technology
- Greeyely Munguia, John C. Fremont Middle School
- Komfort Harris, John C. Fremont Middle School
- Kavin Ramdas, Hyde Park Middle School
- Sokretpanha Som, John C. Fremont Middle School
- Peggy Weng, Advanced Technologies Academy
- Leo Ramirez, Advanced Technologies Academy
- Gabrielle Peterson, Arbor View High School
- Maria Becerra, Rancho High School
Three Las Vegas muralists have been commissioned to bring the city’s spirit to life with dynamic murals on the walls of the pedestrian tunnel connecting the East Harmon Zone and Pit Building. The featured artists, Brett Rosepiler, Matt Murphy (also known as Matt Black and “Black57”), and Richard Ochoa, each bring distinctive artistic perspectives shaped by years of dedication to their craft.
The local entertainers that are scheduled to participate in this year’s race are DJ C.L.A, DJ Crykit, DJ Sax Duo, DJ Shift, DJ Spark, DJ Stretch, SOXXI, Quira, Miyuki, Mike Attack, Sin City Thrilla, Midnight Affair, Cameron Calloway, The Rhyolite Sound, Rockie Brown, Roaming Entertainment, UNLV Rebel Girls and Company, and Blue Man Group.
Food trucks and catering companies involved in this year’s race are:
- DonutNV
- Dragon Grille
- The Street Kings
- Kona Coffee House LV
- Louie Louie Hibachi and Sushi on the Road
- Vitos Tacos
- Endless Pastabilities
- Pancho’s Kitchen
- Philly Freeze Me
- Crab Corner
- QUP! BBQ
- Slidin’ Thru
- Signora Pizza
- Empanada Factory LV
- Simply Pure
- Chaskas & Sweets
- Cut & Taste
- Events with a Twist
- Flamingo Zone F&B
- Antidote
- BBQ Mexicana
- Down 2 Earth Plant Based
- GYU+
