They Shut the City Down”: Kenny Wallace Makes His…

“They Shut the City Down”: Kenny Wallace Makes His Opinion Clear on F1’s Late-Night Start in Las Vegas

In the world of motorsports, the Formula 1 Grand Prix stands as one of the most iconic and thrilling events, a showcase of speed, technology, and elite driver skill. The F1 series, known for its long-standing tradition of racing across the globe in cities steeped in history, has continually sought to innovate and push the envelope in terms of venues, fan engagement, and spectacle. Among the most anticipated and audacious ventures for Formula 1 in recent years has been the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which marked its return to the racing calendar in 2023. This new addition to the F1 schedule, however, did not come without its fair share of controversy.

One of the most vocal critics of the event’s unconventional late-night start has been none other than Kenny Wallace, a former NASCAR driver, TV personality, and passionate advocate for motorsport. Wallace, who is known for his candid commentary and unapologetic opinions, has made his thoughts on the Las Vegas race clear. His comment on the event, “They shut the city down,” has sparked much discussion regarding the choice to hold the race at night in a city where nightlife, tourism, and a vibrant local economy are integral to its identity.

This article will explore Kenny Wallace’s opinion on the F1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, the reasoning behind the late-night start, the impact it has on the city and the fans, and how it aligns with or contrasts against the history and ethos of Formula 1 racing. We will also look at the broader implications of staging high-profile sporting events in cities like Las Vegas, where the allure of entertainment and tourism can sometimes overshadow the essence of the sport itself.

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix: A New Era of Racing

The Las Vegas Grand Prix is a major milestone in the world of motorsport. While Formula 1 has raced in the United States on various occasions, the Las Vegas event represents a bold and strategic attempt to re-establish a foothold in one of the world’s most iconic entertainment hubs. The city of Las Vegas is renowned for its neon lights, celebrity-driven culture, and 24/7 lifestyle, making it an ideal setting for a high-octane spectacle like F1 racing. The 2023 event was promoted with the kind of razzle-dazzle typically associated with Las Vegas—glitzy parties, a glamorous atmosphere, and a backdrop of luxury that transcends the typical motor racing environment.

However, it was the race’s scheduled start time that drew attention and raised questions. Unlike most F1 races that take place in the afternoon or early evening, the Las Vegas Grand Prix took place in the late hours of the night, with the event starting at 10:00 PM local time. This decision, aimed at maximizing global television viewership and catering to a European audience, did not sit well with everyone—particularly those who believe that F1 racing should retain its traditional ethos of daytime racing and be mindful of the communities in which it operates.

Kenny Wallace’s Criticism of the Late-Night Start

Kenny Wallace, known for his candid opinions and his deep roots in the world of motorsports, expressed strong reservations about the timing of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Wallace, who spent years in the NASCAR series and continues to commentate and analyze motorsport events, was outspoken about how the late-night start disrupted both the rhythm of the race weekend and the local Las Vegas atmosphere.

“They shut the city down,” Wallace said, referencing how the event forced major disruptions to the flow of the city. Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling casinos, and constant entertainment, relies heavily on its late-night economy. By staging the race so late at night, F1, according to Wallace, inadvertently affected the very fabric of the city’s nightlife, forcing a closure of streets and diverting crowds and attention away from the usual attractions.

For Wallace, his concern goes beyond the logistical aspects. The late-night start represents a disconnect from the spirit of racing, in which fans and participants traditionally revel in the full-day experience leading up to the race. It’s not just the timing of the event but the broader implications of how Formula 1 interacts with its host cities.

The Strategic Goals Behind the Late-Night Start

To fully understand the decision to hold the race at night, one must consider the broader strategic objectives of Formula 1 and the business considerations that drive such decisions. Formula 1 has long sought to expand its presence in the United States, a market that, despite the popularity of motorsports like NASCAR, has often been resistant to the allure of F1 racing. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is an attempt to capture a larger share of the American audience by tapping into the global appeal of the city itself—famous for its entertainment industry, high-rollers, and international tourism.

By holding the race at night, F1 was able to maximize its television audience, catering to prime-time slots in Europe and attracting viewers from the US who are used to the late-night spectacle that is part and parcel of Las Vegas’ culture. The global broadcast of the event, which was scheduled to avoid direct competition with traditional European racing events, became an opportunity for F1 to make a bold statement.

The timing of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, held in the evening, also serves as a way of highlighting the “spectacle” aspect of F1 racing. It’s no longer just a sport but a global entertainment event. Formula 1 has consistently moved towards an era where the race is just one element of a larger package that includes glamorous off-track activities such as star-studded parties, celebrity appearances, and performances. In this regard, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is less about the sporting competition and more about curating a high-profile experience that blends racing with the city’s famous nightlife.

Impact on the Las Vegas Community

While the global perspective might see the Las Vegas Grand Prix as an unmitigated success, the impact on the local community is a different matter. The event’s late-night timing meant that significant portions of the city were disrupted in the lead-up to the race. Local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and entertainment industries, were forced to navigate street closures, heightened security, and large crowds of tourists, which may have dampened the typical flow of everyday business.

For locals, the disruption was another concern. Las Vegas, though known for its 24-hour lifestyle, also relies on its residents and workers to keep the city running smoothly. With the race causing extensive closures and the influx of tourists, it became a balancing act for the city’s residents, who may not have welcomed the massive changes to their daily routines.

Moreover, the late-night timing of the race itself—coupled with the fact that it stretched into the early hours of the morning—meant that those attending the event or following it on television had to adjust to a schedule far removed from the traditional rhythm of Formula 1. Many fans, particularly those who live in Las Vegas or surrounding areas, expressed frustration at the event’s schedule. Not only did it create logistical challenges, but it also undermined the relationship between Formula 1 and the local community, which is traditionally symbiotic in nature.

The Future of F1 in Las Vegas

Despite the concerns raised by figures like Kenny Wallace, the Las Vegas Grand Prix’s future remains promising. The spectacle and allure of the event are undeniable, and with the support of major corporate sponsors, celebrities, and international television viewership, it has all the makings of an annual fixture on the F1 calendar. The event’s late-night timing will likely continue to be a focal point for critics, but Formula 1 has already proven time and again that it is unafraid to innovate and take risks to grow the sport’s global brand.

However, the balance between maintaining the integrity of the sport and appealing to a global entertainment market will be one that F1 will need to manage carefully. As cities like Las Vegas continue to host large-scale motorsport events, it will be important for both the racing series and the host cities to find ways to ensure that the local economy, community, and culture are not adversely affected by these events.

Conclusion: A Bold New Chapter or a Step Too Far?

Kenny Wallace’s criticism of the late-night start of the Las Vegas Grand Prix encapsulates the broader debate surrounding Formula 1’s evolving role as both a sport and a global entertainment event. While Formula 1 is undoubtedly one of the most advanced and exciting racing series in the world, its efforts to attract new markets, particularly in places like Las Vegas, raise questions about the impact on local communities and the sport’s legacy.

Wallace’s frustration with the disruptions caused by the race’s schedule—his assertion that “they shut the city down”—captures the sentiment of those who believe that the focus should remain on the core of the sport: the racing. While the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas may offer an exciting spectacle, the question remains whether the late-night scheduling and its associated disruptions are sustainable or whether F1 risks alienating its traditional fan base in pursuit of larger, more lucrative markets.

Ultimately, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is a bold move by Formula 1, one that highlights the sport’s desire to grow its global presence while navigating the complexities of local communities and traditions. Only time will tell if the late-night start proves to be a temporary spectacle or if it becomes a fixture of the F1 calendar for years to come. For now, Kenny Wallace’s concerns serve as a reminder that, while motorsport is an entertainment spectacle, it also remains an integral part of the communities it touches, and these communities should not be overlooked in the rush for global spectacle and television ratings.