(Motorsports news) Even though the 2023 Formula One season got off to a disastrous start when fans were forcibly removed from grandstands due to a broken drain cover ahead of a postponed practice, the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix proved to be one of the most thrilling races, dispelling any negative perceptions that might have persisted.
Chief of Miami GP Tyler Epp said that he was happy with the Vegas race’s outcome for both F1 and his colleague promoter and that a successful event there benefits the sport’s overall US environment. “I believe it does,” Epp remarked. We discuss this topic frequently; putting all American Formula One fans in one group is never safe, but we all enjoy drama and competition.
“My, did the Las Vegas race have both? There was also quite a bit of it in our event last May. Thus, I believe that anytime we can see exciting racing on our territory, it only serves to foster the US F1 fan.” Epp acknowledges the enormous effort required to hold the race on public roads, which disrupted the community but paid off with an amazing event and a significant increase in the city’s economy.
“I can’t say enough about the effort of Renee [Wilm, Las Vegas GP CEO] and her team,” stated Epp. “That was an incredible accomplishment. Since we all know what happens when mistakes are made and rumors are spoken, I believe that the promoter community is protective of one another. They did a fantastic job. “As advocates for America, we really think that all ships are rising, and we wanted that to happen.
“We were there, supporting in any way that we could, but I think Renee and the team did everything they could to invest in the sport was absolutely on display by the time Saturday night rolled around.” The surrounding hotels and casinos saw a sharp increase in income despite the race’s disturbance on the renowned Strip, and they too viewed the Vegas event as a great financial success.
According to a report by Nevada’s Gaming Control Board, the four-day event contributed to about $821 million in gaming revenue for Strip casinos in the month, representing a 22.6% year-over-year gain. Because rooms were sold for 33.7% more than the previous year, the event generated the highest-grossing weekend for hotel revenue in MGM Resorts International’s history, according to the company’s chief financial officer.
Also read: Extreme E extends partnership with Founding Partner Continental
