SEMA, an event all of us in the automotive community know and love. We all enjoy and hate the four days of non stop walking, talking and schmoozing. Once Friday arrives most cannot wait to get on a plane and get out of Las Vegas, this year, will be different…[/dropcap]
This year we have the honor of unveiling a project that has been in the works for quite awhile now. The North American Festival of Speed is going to carry the momentum of SEMA into a full weekend of motorsports activities. An event that will give vendors, race teams and other automotive companies more bang for their Las Vegas buck.
The fans will be the ones who will take the most from this event, in one weekend they will lay witness to the Pirelli Drivers Cup, Lotus Cup USA, MotoIQ Pacific Tuner Car Championship, Radical Challenge and the Time Attack Invitational. There will also be a huge vendor section, to check out the hottest parts, a large manufacturers section displaying the newest vehicles and tons of teams to go check out in the pits. This will be an event not to miss in it’s inaugural year, and the first of many years of this event.
I am very excited to be working on this event with the team at NAFoS, and look forward to working with all the media folks on covering this event. I hope to see everyone who made the trek out to SEMA, stick around for a couple more days of fun.
Here is the official press release on September 14th 2011:
THE NORTH AMERICAN FESTIVAL OF SPEED SET FOR DEBUT EVENT THIS NOVEMBER 4TH, 5TH & 6TH
Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be the venue for the three-day motorsport festival, taking place the weekend directly following the SEMA Show.
Las Vegas, NV – September, 14th 2001 –
The inaugural North American Festival of Speed will be held this November 4th, 5th & 6th at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The event is designed as an end-of-year motorsport festival, providing an ample amount of motorsport entertainment, and an opportunity for the automotive and motorsport industries to interact with fans.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS) was chosen to host the North American Festival of Speed due to a number of very compelling benefits. The recently constructed “Neon Garage” area of LVMS provides a one-of-a-kind spectator experience, allowing for fans to interact with racers, vendors and teams in ways that are simply not possible at other venues. With the SEMA Show being held in Las Vegas the week leading up to the event, the date was chosen to allow for members of the automotive industry, media representatives and automotive fans to maximize the value of their visit to Las Vegas.
“Las Vegas Motor Speedway provides the perfect venue to host an event such as the North American Festival of Speed. You couldn’t ask for better location, venue and timing. We are all very excited about this event!” – Nikolas Malechikos, NAFoS Founder
A total of five separate race series/events will be held at the North American Festival of Speed:
- Pirelli Drivers Cup
- Lotus Cup USA
- MotoIQ Pacific Tuner Car Championship
- Radical Challenge
- Time Attack Invitational
This event will serve as the Championship rounds of the Pirelli Drivers Cup, Lotus Cup USA and MotoIQ Pacific Tuner Car Championships (MPTCC). With Championships coming down to the wire, the racing action is expected to be intense!
In addition to the on-track action, event attendees will be offered a vendor midway, vehicle manufacturer displays and driver autograph sessions in addition to other attractions. Organizers envision the North American Festival of Speed becoming an annual occurrence in Las Vegas coinciding with the SEMA Show.
“Both the drivers and staff of Pirelli Drivers Cup USA racing series are excited about participating in the inaugural North American Festival of Speed. Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a great venue to hold this event; and with this event as our season finale and completing our fifth anniversary. Let’s have a great time and start a new tradition!” – Greg Franz, Pirelli Drivers Cup USA
The event will be open to spectators all three days. Included with admission is the ability to walk the open paddock and garage areas. Tickets will be available at the gate. Additional information can be found at the official North American Festival of Speed website – www.SpeedFest.us
Companies interested in partnership/vending opportunities and race teams interested in participating in either the MPTCC or the Time Attack Invitational should contact event management: Info@SpeedFest.us or 661-575-5632. Spaces are limited.
