Las Vegas Gearing up for NASCAR!

by Briana Sopala June 21, 2011

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LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -NASCAR drivers and fans are descending on southern Nevada for a week full of activities, events and, of course, races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.Economist estimates put the total number of fans who will be coming for the events at around 300,000. An estimated $200 million is expected to be funneled into the local economy.Organizers said Thursday will see an exciting show on the Las Vegas Strip with the Hauler Parade at 6 p.m. Teams will have their big rigs roll down the Strip starting at the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign and up to Sahara Avenue. From there they will head off to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.Dirt racing events will also be on the scheduled Wednesday and Saturday before the Nationwide Series Sam’s Town 300 on Saturday. The Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 400 will close out the weekend.The event has sold out for the past 10 years, but there are still tickets available for this year. Organizers said with a great weather forecast and great events at Daytona and Phoenix, they hope to sell out again this year.

Celebrities are slated to be part of the race week with TV star Tim Allen set to be Grand Marshal of the race. The Strip cast of “Jersey Boys” will be performing this weekend at the speedway, as well, and, for the race Sunday, “American Idol” contestant Pia Toscano will sing the National Anthem.