- Vegas businesses have taken court action against F1 and local officials
- Inaugural Las Vegas GP had reported economic benefit of US$1.5bn
Clark County commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick has warned that the Las Vegas Grand Prix needs to improve in its sophomore year or “there won’t be a third time”.
Speaking to local news, she revealed that the inaugural race was a logistical challenge that threw up issues on all sides.
“We don’t have a choice but to do better than last time, that includes everybody,” said Kirkpatrick. “That’s visitors being able to move around. That’s our constituents who have to work on the Strip to get around.
“There’s an expectation, at least from me, that there’s going to be a lot more buy-in from the community.”
Residents were divided over the race, especially as the circuit’s construction caused significant traffic congestion in the build-up to the event. Local businesses have brought court action against the Clark County government, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), and Formula One due to that disruption’s effect on their profits.
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Kirkpatrick revealed a report is in progress to ensure similar issues do not happen again and that there will be “an expectation that businesses can survive and stay open and know how to navigate [the logistical challenges]”.
Despite drawing ire from the locals, a report published by Clark County revealed the economic impact of the event approached US$1.5 billion.
While Kirkpatrick admits that the Las Vegas Grand Prix was worth it, she believes “we have to get much better than we were last year […] the jury’s still out for me”.
She added: “The commission has been very clear, ‘you will do it a certain way, or there won’t be a third time’. But at the same time, they will hold up your permits and make it very uncomfortable for your guests, so I think that [Formula One is] actually working hard.”
When asked if Formula One gets the sense that this year is do or die for the event, Kirkpatrick replied: “They have to. We’ve endured a lot of events, and they’re always tough the first year.”
BlackBook says…
The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix was a challenge unlike anything that Formula One has faced before.
It was the first time the series had ever promoted a race itself, investing well over US$500 million in ensuring the event could go ahead. Teething issues were to be expected.
Formula One is seeking to make its visit to Las Vegas the crown jewel in its calendar, so a warning from local government around the future of the event will not form part of this long-term plan.
If anything, it appears that Las Vegas officials want greater collaboration in the overall process. During the interview, Kirkpatrick revealed: “We know what’s best … So trust us, we want to help make it better.”
It would be a surprise to see the race’s contract terminated early, especially as it’s locked in until at least 2025. Las Vegas officials have also approved the Strip’s closure until 2032 as part of the deal.
Ultimately, if egos can be put to the side, then the race can only go from strength to strength in the coming years.
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