In recognition of outstanding leadership and performance across its premier motorsports facilities, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI) officials named Las Vegas Motor Speedway, led by President and General Manager Chris Powell, as Speedway of the Year.

“From leading the way as innovators in motorsports to hosting millions of fans for races, concerts, festivals and driving schools, it’s been a banner year for Speedway Motorsports, and I’m honored to recognize those who helped lead the charge,” SMI President and CEO Marcus Smith said. “Chris Powell and the entire staff at Las Vegas embraced a tremendous year of new opportunities with a new four-wide NHRA race and the kickoff of NASCAR’s Monster Energy Cup Series playoffs to capture the Speedway of the Year award for the fifth time.”  

For the second consecutive year and fifth time overall, Las Vegas Motor Speedway was chosen as Speedway of the Year from among the eight Speedway Motorsports facilities. The award is presented for the best overall speedway performance during the year in such aspects as fan friendliness, attendance, financial performance, sponsor relations and creativity.

The staff at Las Vegas Motor Speedway were reported to have worked tirelessly to attract and host new events to the famed entertainment complex by converting The Strip to four lanes to host the first NHRA four-wide drag race on the West Coast and adding a second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series weekend to its season schedule. In addition, the speedway undertook an ambitious renovation plan, adding three exclusive clubhouse areas, the new Turn One Social Pavilion, two separate loge-box seat offerings, and a racing-inspired, interactive sports lounge.

The award was announced Wednesday during NASCAR’s Champion’s Week festivities in Las Vegas, which also honored Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter and the team from Charlotte Motor Speedway as Promoter of the Year.

For more information, visit speedwaymotorsports.com.