LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A major motor race could be coming to Las Vegas, as Formula One could make a return.
“Las Vegas is a city that offers the maximum amount of entertainment," Enrico Bertaggia said.
Bertaggia has run Dream Racing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway for about a decade. He knows a thing or two about racing cars, winning the Italian Formula Three championship in 1987 and had 8 entries in the Formula One championship. He believes Las Vegas will host an F1 race in the near future.
“Fans love Las Vegas," Bertaggia said. "People love Las Vegas. They know Las Vegas as one of the cities that is known from all over the world."
Nevada officials have already been buzzing about a race. Governor Steve Sisolak tweeted back in October that he met with F1 officials to talk about bringing a race to the valley. Bertaggia says it will draw an international crowd.
I’ve had the opportunity to meet recently with @F1 leaders and I’ve appreciated their time on this topic.
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) October 19, 2021
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - the Silver State is quickly becoming the entertainment AND sports capital! https://t.co/O2ipBeUE2M
“For sure a lot of Europeans because Europeans love Las Vegas and I think it will be a very successful event,” he said.
It wouldn’t be the first time Las Vegas had an F1 race as the valley hosted the Caesars Grand Prix in 1981 and 1982.
“It reminded me when I was a kid and I imagined what was Las Vegas,” Bertaggia said.
Bertaggia says F1 won’t be competing against other circuits like NASCAR in the area and says having another major car race is a win for Las Vegas motorsports in general.
“It will not change," he said. "In my opinion the attention on NASCAR or the local championship, IndyCar that they race in America. I think it’s going to maintain and increase the number of spectators that are probably going to see both."
Multiple reports say if Las Vegas gets a race, it could start as early as next year.
