Las Vegas GP adds Ferrari race and ice rink
The Las Vegas Grand Prix will add a Ferrari Challenge support race to the second edition of the Formula One event in November after criticism of the limited track action on offer last year.
For those with money to splash and wanting more than just ice in their drinks, organisers said they also plan to install a skating rink on the roof of the Paddock Club hospitality building.
Formula One's third U.S. round races down the Nevada city's famed Strip at night but only offered Formula One last year. Other grands prix, particularly in Europe, have a range of junior series and sportscar races.
"We took on the feedback last year of not having a support race," Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer for F1 and the Las Vegas Grand Prix, told reporters.
"Logistics last year were our number one concern...now we feel much more comfortable being able to extend the operating hours and the track activity.
"It was just a year one confidence thing honestly, and now we’re feeling pretty good about it."
Having a support series will also help lay down rubber on the track and highlight any potential problems before the F1 cars go out.
Last year's first practice lasted eight minutes before being cancelled for track repairs, leading to a class-action lawsuit by disgruntled fans.
The Ferrari Challenge support series will be on all three days, with garages in the Fan Experience zone - a free daytime event on Las Vegas Boulevard with a daily 30,000 capacity.
"We wanted to make sure we’re embracing the local community a bit more and educating the audience, particularly the Nevadans on what we’re doing around Formula One," Prazer said of that ticketed event.
Prazer said the second edition would be less hype and more about the sport and enhancing the overall