Remember when Formula 1 first came to Las Vegas? No, not two years ago. Back in the early ‘80s 😎 We’re a little more than a week away from the third-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix, but Formula 1 first began flirting with the Las Vegas Strip more than 40 years ago.
🎰 Hello Caesars Palace Grand Prix
Formula 1 held races at Caesars Palace in 1981 and 1982. In stark contrast to today’s atmosphere, the races had little support from Clark County and other properties failed to get on board to take advantage of the hype. It turned out to be a bust for the casino business at Caesars Palace, failing to attract the anticipated return on investment.
🏁 Where Was the Track?
The track for the Caesars Palace Grand Prix was sketched out on the back of a placemat and built in the old Caesars Palace parking lot where the Forum Shops now stand. Cab drivers were invited to take a spin and break in the asphalt.
🏎️ The Drivers Hated It
The track was 2.3 miles with 14 corners that competitors found repetitive. At more than 75 laps, that added up to about 170 miles of relative boredom and physically challenging driving. The track also ran counter-clockwise, contrasting with European preferences for tracks designed clockwise. There were no garage facilities, leaving cars to be stored and serviced in the desert heat.
Vroom, vroom in ‘82. (Bernard Cahier/Getty)
🥱 Fans Felt Meh
Sitting in the desert sun didn’t have much appeal for fans either. (Remember, this was decades before the luxury suites we see today.) The 1982 race drew less than 30,000 spectators, which doesn't sound bad, but was the smallest F1 attendance of the year.
🏆 Who Won?
Does it matter? Carlos Reutemann of Argentina (who later became a governor in his home country) was the favorite, but Australian Alan Jones crossed the finish line first in ‘81 and Michele Alboreto of Ireland won a year later. The ‘82 race is notable for being the final F1 appearance for Mario Andretti, who placed 28th.
👀 And then …
Formula 1 withdrew after two years into a four-year deal and the CART Indy car series took over the last two races. While Formula 1’s first foray into Vegas was a disappointment for Caesars Palace, it gave the resort worldwide attention that continues to resonate with the lucrative international tourist market.
- Formula 1 returned to Vegas more than four decades later in 2023. Was it a success? We’re still trying to figure it out. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
