NASCAR 2005: Race fans urged to try the bus

Thursday, March 10, 2005 | 9:01 a.m.

Race fans in town this weekend will have an extra way to get to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, although they're warned not to expect to get there quickly.

The Regional Transportation Commission will offer expanded service of the Citizens Area Transit system from the Strip to the speedway for NASCAR weekend.. The service, which will take riders from the racetrack to the downtown transfer terminal, begins 8 a.m. Thursday.

Riders are urged to be patient this year, as shortcuts used in previous years will not be available, according to the RTC. Those driving to the race have also been urged to leave as early as possible, as construction on I-15 and an expected record crowd could slow roads.

Riders can buy a four-day pass from the RTC for $25.

Scheduled service:

THURSDAY: Service will begin at 8 a.m. and continue until 11 p.m. Customers can catch the northbound strip bus (Route 301) to the Downtown Transportation Center. From there they can catch a specially marked NASCAR bus, which will taken them directly to the speedway.

FRIDAY: Service will begin at 5 a.m. and continue until 11 p.m. Customers between 8 a.m. and noon can catchy a specially marked NARCAR bus at bus stops in front of or near all major Strip resorts. After 12 p.m., passengers can take the Route 301 bus to the transfer terminal and continue on the NASCAR buses.

SATURDAY and SUNDAY: Service will run from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Customers can catch the NASCAR bus on the northbound side of the Strip. Stops will be located in front of or across the street from the Aladdin, downtown transfer terminal, Flamingo, Fremont Street, Luxor, MGM Grand, Paris, Riviera, Sahara, South Strip Transfer Terminal, Stardust, Stratosphere, Tropicana and the Venetian.

These buses will provide express service to the speedway with no transfer. For more information, call RTC Customer Service at 1-800-228-3911.